LOOK: Kirk Herbstreit calls for LeBron James to make College GameDay appearance

On3 imageby:James Fletcher III05/17/22

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College GameDay has already made a decision for the 2022 season, announcing that it will help build anticipation for ABC’s Notre Dame vs. Ohio State game scheduled for Sept. 3 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The news got plenty of people excited online, including host Kirk Herbstreit and NBA star LeBron James.

In a quick social media interaction between the two, the potential for a special guest on set ahead of the game in Columbus, Ohio came into the table.

“What’s the date of this?” asked James. “Need it ASAP!”

Kirk Herbstreit was quick to do some work for the show, recognizing LeBron James’ excitement and trying to capitalize on it for College GameDay.

“September 3rd,” Herbstreit responded. “Celebrity picker?”

James previously made a guest appearance on ESPN’s College GameDay program in 2008, helping build hype for the rivalry game against Michigan. However, the Wolverines won the game and left him 5-5 on his picks for the weekend.

During that appearance, he also revealed to Herbstreit and the crew that he would have chosen Ohio State had he opted to attend college instead of jumping straight from high school to the NBA.

More about Notre Dame vs. Ohio State

The Ohio State Buckeyes, led by Ryan Day, went 11-2 overall in the 2021 season. They get to open the season at home with a night game for the first time since 2010 versus Marshall. College GameDay’s presence will only add to the hype around the game that features two of the top programs in the nation. The show has gone live from Columbus 21 times in the history of the broadcast.

On top of Ohio State-Notre Dame, the opening Saturday of the season has several key matchups like Alabama-Texas, Oregon-Georgia, Arkansas-Cincinnati, Utah-Florida and more.

Notre Dame is coming off of a head coaching transition, going from Brian Kelly to Marcus Freeman. The Fighting Irish are 13.5-point underdogs so far in Vegas with a full summer to go before the first kickoff. Freeman scoffed at the margin after he learned of the spread, saying, “make it 14.”

Both coaches have identified the season opener as a key date on the schedule due largely to the profile of the opponent. It also provides the College Football Playoff selection committee and early datapoint to compare the potential contenders with throughout the season.