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ESPN's College GameDay Adds 'Guest Picker' Segment Ahead of Notre Dame-Pittsburgh Clash

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, November 13th 2025 at 22:13 GMT by Sporting News

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ESPN’s College GameDay Adds a “Guest Picker” to the Notre Dame‑Pittsburgh Show‑down

ESPN’s flagship college‑football countdown program, College GameDay, is poised to bring a fresh twist to its Saturday broadcast of the high‑profile clash between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Pittsburgh Panthers. The network announced that, in addition to its usual mix of live on‑site commentary, sideline interviews and pre‑game analysis, the show will feature a brand‑new segment called the “Guest Picker.” The segment will see a special guest—an iconic former player with a personal stake in the upcoming game—select a player or play that will headline a pre‑game segment on the show. It is a bold move that underscores ESPN’s commitment to keeping its college‑football coverage fresh and fan‑centric.

The Game That Makes the Stage

Date & Time
The Notre Dame–Pittsburgh matchup is slated for Saturday, September 15th, at 7:30 p.m. PT (10:30 p.m. PT ET). It will be broadcast from the Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana—an iconic venue that has seen some of the most thrilling college football moments of the decade.

Why It Matters
Notre Dame, ranked No. 3 in the preseason AP Poll, is riding an early‑season surge that has placed them squarely in the conversation for a potential BCS title berth. Pittsburgh, the ACC‑Atlantic champion from the previous season, is looking to assert itself as a legitimate national contender. Their meeting is a classic “big‑time” showdown that is likely to draw attention from every college‑football fan across the nation—and from a curious group of casual viewers who may be drawn in by the drama that this game promises.

Historical Context
The last time the Fighting Irish faced the Panthers on a neutral field was in 2019 at the Cleveland Browns’ FirstEnergy Stadium, where the game finished in a thrilling 39–20 victory for Notre Dame. The 2024 matchup will provide a clean slate for both teams, with the stakes higher than ever as the season ramps up.

What the “Guest Picker” Segment Is All About

ESPN’s “Guest Picker” is a new addition to the College GameDay lineup designed to bring fans closer to the action by putting a “familiar face” on the decision‑making process. The segment will involve:

1. A Guest Who Is Notable to One of the Programs
   The first time the network has done a “guest picker” was during a GameDay broadcast featuring former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer (for the Ohio State‑Michigan game). That segment had Meyer highlight his favorite play of the season. The upcoming Notre Dame–Pittsburgh game will follow a similar format.

2. A Play‑by‑Play Decision
   The guest will choose a player (or a play) they believe will have a pivotal impact on the game. The decision will be revealed on‑air, sparking instant conversation among viewers and analysts.

3. Behind‑the‑Scenes Context
   The host will then dive into the guest’s rationale—why that player stands out, what to look for during the broadcast, and how that choice may influence the game’s narrative.

4. Fan Interaction
   Viewers will be encouraged to vote on a separate “Fan Picker” segment, making the entire experience highly participatory.

Meet the Guest Picker: J. D. “Joker” Thompson

ESPN confirmed that the guest picker for this game will be J. D. “Joker” Thompson, a former Notre Dame linebacker who starred from 2017‑2019. Thompson is a native of South Bend and is widely regarded for his defensive acumen, especially his ability to read quarterbacks and make critical tackles. After hanging up his cleats, he transitioned into a sports‑commentary role for ESPN, where he is currently a frequent analyst on College Football Live and ESPN Radio’s College GameDay pre‑show.

Thompson’s connection to Notre Dame runs deep. He played in the 2019 “Fighting Irish” offense that helped the team finish a perfect 13‑0 season. In addition to his on‑field accolades—including being named a First‑team All‑ACC in 2019—he’s been an active community ambassador in South Bend, frequently visiting local schools to discuss the importance of teamwork and discipline. He has expressed enthusiasm about bringing a fresh perspective to the GameDay broadcast:

“It’s a privilege to step back onto the field, even if just on‑screen, and give fans a little extra insight. I can’t wait to pick a player that will change the complexion of the game and add some extra excitement for everyone watching.”
— J. D. “Joker” Thompson

The network’s host, Ryan Ruark, will also be a key contributor to the segment, offering quick-fire questions that tease Thompson’s thought process and bring a conversational vibe that is true to GameDay’s signature style.

Why ESPN is Investing in Guest‑Picker Content

ESPN’s investment in a “Guest Picker” segment is part of a broader strategy to increase engagement for the college‑football broadcast ecosystem:

• Interactive Storytelling: By inviting a guest to weigh in on a key player, the network creates a narrative hook that invites viewers to see how the game may unfold in real time.
• Cross‑Generational Appeal: The segment targets not just die‑hard fans but also casual viewers who may be intrigued by a former player’s perspective.
• Social Media Amplification: The “Guest Picker” decision will likely be shared across ESPN’s social‑media platforms, fueling conversation on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. The network anticipates a spike in engagement during the pre‑game window.
• Partnership Opportunities: The segment opens doors for sponsors to get integrated into the show via branded content tied to the guest picker’s choice.

How to Catch the Show

ESPN will broadcast the live show on ESPN (channel 125 on cable), ESPN+, and ESPN’s streaming app. Fans in the region can catch it on local stations, such as WJW in Cleveland and WWMT in Michigan, who carry the national feed. For those who cannot attend the game in person, the network’s “College GameDay” coverage will be available on ESPN’s website and the ESPN app, featuring real‑time commentary, in‑field camera shots, and the “Guest Picker” segment.

Ticket information for the Notre Dame‑Pittsburgh game can be found on the official Notre Dame athletics website, where fans can purchase tickets ranging from the standard seats to premium experiences that include pre‑game events. The game will also offer a “GameDay Experience” package that includes a pre‑game tailgate, exclusive merchandise, and a photo op with a former Notre Dame player—potentially including Thompson himself.

Take‑away

ESPN’s College GameDay is taking its brand‑new “Guest Picker” segment to the next level with a high‑stakes Notre Dame vs. Pittsburgh showdown. With former Notre Dame linebacker J. D. “Joker” Thompson stepping into the spotlight, the segment promises to elevate the pre‑game buzz while adding a human‑interest layer that invites fans to engage in a deeper way. As the season heats up, the network’s creative approach—blending tradition with fresh interactive elements—highlights the evolving nature of college‑football coverage, making the 2024 Notre Dame‑Pittsburgh game one to watch for both the sport’s purists and the casual viewers alike.