ESPN's College GameDay is returning to Provo, Utah, for the first time since 2009 to preview a Top-10 showdown between No. 8 BYU and No. 2 Notre Dame. The live broadcast will originate from the lawn at Heritage Halls on the BYU campus on Saturday, Oct. 17, ahead of the marquee matchup at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
Broadcast Talent and Features
The broadcast, which airs from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. MT, features host Rece Davis alongside analysts Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee, and Nick Saban. According to ESPN, the show will also feature reporter Jen Lada, who will broadcast from Bloomington to interview Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti, and reporter Jess Sims. Other on-site contributors for the 2026 season include college football insider Pete Thamel and analyst "Stanford Steve" Coughlin.
Historic BYU Matchup
The visit to Provo marks only the second time the program has visited BYU, the previous visit occurring on Oct. 24, 2009. This matchup represents the second AP Top-10 clash in BYU history and the first such game ever played at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Notre Dame enters the contest as the No. 2 ranked team, making it the highest-ranked opponent to visit the stadium since No. 1 USC in 2004.
Team Standings and Records
The game features two programs with significant recent success. BYU enters the Saturday matchup with a 5-0 record, having secured its fifth 5-0 start under head coach Kalani Sitake since 2016. The Cougars' recent performance includes a 24-10 victory over Iowa State on Friday, Oct. 9. Notre Dame enters the game on a 16-game winning streak, the second-longest active streak in the FBS, trailing only Indiana's 22-game streak. All 16 of the Irish's recent victories have been by double digits.
Series History and Context
The historical series between the two schools favors Notre Dame, which holds a 7-2 all-time record against the Cougars. The most recent meeting between the programs took place in 2022 during the Shamrock Series in Las Vegas, where Notre Dame defeated BYU 28-20. BYU's only victory against a No. 2 ranked opponent occurred in 1990 against No. 1 Miami.
Special Programming Highlights
ESPN has announced several special features for the event, including a segment titled "Opportunity Knocks" that provides all-access coverage of Notre Dame head coach Marcus de Marcus Freeman. Another segment, "You've Reached Coach Woody Hayes," will feature reporter Jen Lada. Additionally, Jess Sims will report on a feature titled "Making the BAND," which focuses on the "Music Bachs"—an acoustic folk country trio composed of BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier and wide receiver Tiger Bachmeier.
Fan Contests and Engagement
The program will also feature Pat McAfee's "Kicking is Easy delivered by The Home Depot" contest. This fan-favorite segment allows select fans from the on-site pit to attempt a 33-yard field goal for prizes. The contest has awarded more than $11.5 million through prizes and charitable donations throughout its history.
Fan Experience and Logistics
To build excitement, ESPN launched an interactive scavenger hunt on Wednesday, Oct. 14, allowing fans to complete challenges involving campus landmarks and trivia for a chance to win premium seating or merchandise. The first 50 fans in line on Saturday morning will receive an exclusive prize pack containing a windbreaker, a disposable camera, Jimmy John's chips, a gift card, and sunglasses.
