ESPN College GameDay 2026 Location, TV Schedule and Week 2 Predictions

ESPN College GameDay began the 2026 season by heading to LSU last weekend to see the new-look Tigers take on Clemson.

This week, the premier pregame show heads to another exciting college football destination for the biggest game of the week as #4 Texas hosts #1 Ohio State.

Texas is seeking more than just revenge after falling in the season opener to the Buckeyes last season: There are playoff hopes on the line.

When can fans check out the pregame action? Which team will emerge victoriously?

Find out everything you need below.

Viewing Information

Date: Saturday, September 12

Time: 9 a.m. ET

TV: ESPN, ESPNU

Streaming: ESPN app

Location: Austin, Texas

Crew: Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee, Nick Saban, "Sanford Steve" Couglin, Pete Thamel, Jen Lada, and Jess Sims

Preview and Prediction

Texas welcomes No. 1 Ohio State to Austin, determined to earn redemption. Last season, the Longhorns entered Columbus as the top-ranked team in Week 1, but a 14-7 loss ultimately cost them a chance at an at-large College Football Playoff spot.

Heisman contender and projected top-five draft pick Arch Manning struggled in that game, completing 17 of 30 passes for 170 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Now, with another year of experience against elite opponents, Manning is much better prepared for this high-stakes rematch. Since that defeat, he has guided Texas to a 4-1 record against ranked teams.

Meanwhile, Ohio State's quarterback Julian Sayin and star receiver Jeremiah Smith aim to ignite the Buckeyes' offense. Smith is widely regarded as the best receiver in college football, but Texas has successfully limited his impact with deep zone coverage, holding him to only 46 yards in two meetings.

Texas' revamped offensive line faces an early challenge, but with Manning's development and a defense that knows how to contain Smith, I predict Texas will edge out Ohio State in a thrilling finish and earn their first victory over a No. 1 ranked team since 2008.

Prediction: Texas defeats Ohio State