Lee Corso makes final headgear pick, ESPN College GameDay predicts Week 1 slate

ESPN brought College GameDay to Columbus, Ohio for Week 1. It’s a massive show — Texas will face Ohio State in a stupendous matchup to begin the season, and Lee Corso will partake in his final episode of the acclaimed pregame program.

It’s bound to be an emotional show, but there’s plenty of exciting matchups to preview throughout the morning, as well. Outside of Columbus, Alabama will face Florida State, LSU will take on Clemson and Syracuse will battle Tennessee in a loaded Saturday slate.

Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee and Lee Corso (for one final time) are ready to lock in their predictions. Check them out in full below, and see if you agree with their commentary for Saturday’s top showdowns.

ESPN College GameDay Picks for Week 1:

Texas at Ohio State: It was split down the middle to start, with McAfee and Herbstreit on the Buckeyes, and Howard and Saban picking the Longhorns. Corso’s final headgear pick ended up being the deciding vote, and the legendary coach, analyst and personality decided to go with Brutus and Ohio State.

"Give me my first love!"

Lee Corso's first-ever headgear pick belonged to Brutus and the Buckeyes and it's only fitting that his last one is the same ❤️ pic.twitter.com/A8Fgj8b3TR

— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) August 30, 2025

LSU at Clemson: Herbstreit is on the call, so he’s not making a pick for the matchup between the two Tigers. Howard and Corso are on LSU, while McAfee and Saban agree Clemson will get the win.

Notre Dame at Miami: With Carson Beck leading the charge, Howard and Corso are rocking with the Hurricanes. On the other side, Saban, McAfee and Herbstreit believing in the Irish.

Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina: LaNorris Sellers has the whole College GameDay rocking with the Gamecocks.

Alabama at Florida State: Everyone but Corso is on the Crimson Tide. Did you really expect him to pick against the Seminoles in his final College GameDay?

Syracuse vs. Tennessee: The whole crew believes the Volunteers will send the Orange packing with their first loss of the season.

Full analyst picks for Week 1:

Desmond Howard: Texas, LSU, Miami, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee

Nick Saban: Texas, Clemson, Notre Dame, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee

Pat McAfee: Ohio State, Clemson, Notre Dame, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee

Lee Corso: LSU, Miami, South Carolina, Florida State, Tennessee

Kirki Herbstreit: Ohio State, No pick for LSU at Clemson, Notre Dame, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee