Every weekend during the college football season, ESPN’s *College GameDay* electrifies fans with bold predictions and many surprises. Yet, one of its most anticipated segments remains the announcement of a celebrity guest picker, a tradition that brings unexpected star power to our screens. From the football field to the Hollywood red carpet, let’s revisit the top 10 unforgettable celebrities who’ve stood out as guest pickers, just in time for Patrick Mahomes’s debut.
1. LeBron James: Ohio’s Favorite Son
In 2008, LeBron James brought his kingly aura to his home state as he donned the analyst’s chair during Ohio State’s showdown with Penn State. Even then, before multiple NBA MVPs, James’s charisma was unmatched. His dream? A scarlet and gray court experience, had his paths diverged to college hoops.
2. Electrifying Entry: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
With an entrance worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster, “The Rock” stunned viewers with his appearance ahead of a Colorado clash in 2023. His 8-2 prediction record wasn’t the only highlight; his chemistry with Deion Sanders electrified the set, proving that Johnson’s presence extends beyond wrestling rings.
3. Making Waves: Michael Phelps
Michael Phelps tested new waters as a GameDay guest in 2022, transitioning from a swimming legend to a football forecaster. Having roots in Michigan, where he trained post-2004 Olympics, Phelps’s predictions were shrouded with insights and nostalgia.
4. Pop Icon: Katy Perry in Ole Miss Glory
Katy Perry’s 2014 appearance was as colorful as her music video sets. Her lively participation and unexpected knack for picking winners, notably calling the Ole Miss victory over Alabama, resonated with viewers long after the final whistle.
5. Hollywood Meets Sports: Will Ferrell
In 2010, comedy met college sports as Will Ferrell, former USC student, charmed viewers with a dose of humor and a 5-5 prediction record. Whether DJing parties or predicting plays, Ferrell can balance both with flair.
6. Brainy Picks: Timothée Chalamet
Rising star Timothée Chalamet shone in his 2022 GameDay cameo. Distinguished for his comprehensive research and solid assertiveness, his correct predictions, particularly the Ohio MAC championship, cemented his role as a knowledgeable superfan.
7. Alex Rodriguez’s Lasting Presence
In 2020, A-Rod embraced the digital realm, giving his picks for Miami-Clemson from afar. His ties to Miami remain rooted in his baseball recruitment story—a nostalgic echo from his pre-MLB draft days.
8. Jerry Jones: Cowboys and College GameDay
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones extended his sightseeing eye to college football in 2012, matching the Alabama dominance forecasted before his storied stadium. His nearly perfect predictions aligned with his commanding image in professional sports.
9. Unconventional Coach: Bill Belichick
Bill Belichick isn’t unfamiliar with the gridiron’s intensity. In 2023, he returned his focus to Navy, with a familial history that colors his coaching prestige. Although his prediction didn’t hit, his legacy continues to influence rivalries.
10. Golf’s Maestro: Scottie Scheffler
Golf might be his realm, but Scottie Scheffler brought the green jacket crown to Austin in 2022, reminding us that golfing prowess and football insights aren’t mutually exclusive. His 7-3 record spoke of his studied competence.
As we await Mahomes’s anticipated debut, these stories remind us of GameDay’s unique allure. Each celebrity appearance brings a personal touch and symbolic connection to the game, leaving us eager for more nuanced and nostalgic predictions. According to Sports Illustrated, these appearances showcase sportsmanship beyond boundaries, embracing culture and charisma in equal measure.