This season has been significant for College GameDay, particularly regarding its chosen locations each week. The iconic morning college football show has achieved unprecedented ratings, making it the most successful year in its history. This success follows a nostalgic farewell for Lee Corso to kick off the season and the mounting competition with Fox Sports and Big Noon Kickoff, especially after the notable addition of Dave Portnoy to their lineup.
While Big Noon Kickoff primarily promotes Fox’s noon game, College GameDay has consistently prided itself on showcasing the most prominent games nationwide, regardless of their time slot or network affiliation. However, recent developments have led to strategic programming choices influenced by lucrative partnerships with different conferences. ESPN is linked to the SEC, while rival networks Fox, NBC, and CBS have a significant contract with the Big Ten. This division highlights a growing scrutiny over how college football is covered, raising questions about potential favoritism from networks.
College GameDay’s Upcoming Visit to Vanderbilt-Missouri
For the seventh time in nine weeks, College GameDay will return to a game involving an SEC team, this time in Nashville. The matchup features #10 Vanderbilt facing #15 Missouri. Vanderbilt is enjoying a remarkable season with Heisman contender Diego Pavia leading the way. Missouri has also emerged as a surprisingly effective program since transitioning from the Big 12 to the SEC.
A Missed Opportunity: South Dakota State vs. North Dakota State
Amid this overwhelming SEC presence, College GameDay missed a golden opportunity to visit Brookings, South Dakota, where #1 North Dakota State would face #2 South Dakota State. Known as the Dakota Marker rivalry, this matchup has produced fierce competition. The two schools have collectively dominated the FCS, winning 12 of the last 14 championships.
This game could have marked a significant moment for College GameDay, especially given the historical context. It would have been nearly six years since the show last featured Pat McAfee as the celebrity guest picker for the Dakota rivalry. McAfee’s first appearance was when he filled in for SDSU alum Adam Vinatieri, showcasing his vibrant personality and energy that later became a staple of the show.
During a recent segment on his daily show, McAfee highlighted the potential for College GameDay to visit South Dakota State and reflected on his memorable experience there. He noted that many fans were hoping for a return to the Dakotas and that SDSU played a key role in launching his GameDay career.
The Bigger Picture: The Future of College GameDay Locations
Despite McAfee’s defense of the Vanderbilt-Missouri selection, it’s clear that fans are weary of the consistent emphasis on SEC matchups. Critics argue that College GameDay’s reliance on the SEC leaves lesser-known teams, particularly from FCS and non-power conferences, without the spotlight they deserve. The last time College GameDay visited an FCS program was back in 2022, raising concerns about the show’s commitment to celebrating all aspects of college football.
As College GameDay prepares for its first visit to Nashville since 2008, questions surrounding its future location choices loom large. With the broadcast landscape becoming increasingly polarized, only time will reveal if the show will diversify its visits or continue catering predominantly to major conference powerhouses. While Vanderbilt and Missouri will undoubtedly offer a compelling atmosphere, the decision to bypass the Dakota rivalry game for yet another SEC matchup signals a challenging road ahead for the inclusivity of College GameDay.
