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ESPN reveals first two stops for College GameDay in 2026 season
TL;DR
ESPN has announced the first two stops for College GameDay in the 2026 season, featuring a Week 1 matchup between Clemson and LSU, followed by a Week 2 rematch of Ohio State and Texas in Austin.
Key points
- ESPN announced College GameDay's first two stops for 2026
- Clemson will face LSU in Week 1
- Ohio State will play Texas in Week 2
- 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of College GameDay
- Lane Kiffin will debut as LSU's coach
ClemsonLSUOhio StateTexas
ESPN reveals first two stops for College GameDay in 2026 season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Before ESPN's College GameDay hits the road this fall, the first two stops are already on the books. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the top pregame show.
Needless to say, the initial matchups being featured will be a couple of good ones.
ESPN announced on Tuesday the show will open the 2026 season covering a Week 1 showdown between Clemson and LSU.
The backside of a home-and-home agreement will be Lane Kiffin's debut for the Tigers. LSU defeated Clemson 17-10 last year, which left many people stunned and started a slide for Dabo Swinney's team. The Week 2 affair is a no-brainer. Ohio State and Texas with the rematch in Austin. The title contenders will battle on Sept. 12 in Austin.
There hasn't been a Week three announcements yet, but you can almost bank on Kiffin's return to Oxford being covered at great lengths for the masses.
“College GameDay Built by The Home Depot will kick off its 40th season with a milestone event – its 500th show on the road – on Saturday, Sept. 5, from Baton Rouge, La. ahead of LSU’s marquee Week 1 matchup against Clemson. The three-hour season premiere of college football’s premier pregame show will air live at 9 a.m. ET on ESPN and ESPNU from LSU’s campus, marking the show’s 15th visit to Baton Rouge,” the network said in a press release.
We'll know right out of the gate whether Kiffin has LSU ready to compete.
More College Football news:
Q&A
What are the first two matchups for College GameDay in 2026?
The first two matchups are Clemson vs. LSU in Week 1 and Ohio State vs. Texas in Week 2.
When does College GameDay start for the 2026 season?
College GameDay will start on September 5, 2026, covering the Clemson vs. LSU game.
What is significant about the Clemson vs. LSU game?
This game marks Lane Kiffin's debut for LSU and is a rematch after LSU defeated Clemson 17-10 the previous year.