ESPN’s College GameDay launches its first on-campus broadcast of the 2025-26 men’s college basketball season on Saturday, January 24, live from United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. The pregame show begins at 11 a.m. ET on ESPN, setting the stage for an exciting Big 12 Conference showdown between No. 7 Houston and No. 15 Texas Tech.
Entering its 22nd season, College GameDay returns to Texas Tech for only the second time ever and the first since 2018, when the Red Raiders hosted ahead of a clash with Kansas. The Red Raiders, coached by Grant McCasland, have built momentum early in the season, sitting at No. 15 in the latest AP Top 25 after strong showings, including a gritty comeback win over a ranked BYU team. Hosting GameDay again underscores Texas Tech’s rising profile in a loaded Big 12.
Davis, Bilas, Williams, Carter and Thamel return to the show
The broadcast features the veteran crew fans know and trust. Sports Emmy Award winner Rece Davis returns to host, bringing his signature poise and insight. Longtime analyst Jay Bilas, a former Duke standout, continues his role as a cornerstone since the show’s 2005 debut. Andraya Carter, a 2023 Sports Emmy nominee, is back for her third season, contributing across both men’s and women’s editions. Two-time ACC Coach of the Year Seth Greenberg returns for his 11th season, delivering expert coaching perspectives, while Jay Williams, a former Duke national champion and two-time NABC Player of the Year, marks his eighth year on the panel.
Pete Thamel rejoins for his second straight season, offering sharp reporting and deep dives into the college basketball landscape. Notably, Davis and Thamel come straight off an intense college football season with College GameDay. They just wrapped up coverage of the football version, including the high-stakes College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday, January 19, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida—where No. 1 Indiana edged No. 10 Miami 27-21 to claim the title.
After covering the action for that dramatic CFP finale, Davis and Thamel transition seamlessly to hoops, heading to Lubbock for Saturday’s basketball edition. This quick pivot highlights their versatility and the demanding, year-round nature of ESPN‘s flagship college sports programming.
Coordinating producer Aaron Katzman shared his excitement: “We’re thrilled to hit the road and bring College GameDay back to campus for the first time this season, starting with our return to Lubbock since 2018. The unmatched energy of college basketball on campus, combined with these teams leading the national conversation, makes this the perfect kickoff. We look forward to spotlighting the players, rivalries, and storylines that make this sport so captivating.”
Live from Lubbock
The featured matchup delivers plenty of intrigue. No. 7 Houston, led by coach Kelvin Sampson, arrives as one of the nation’s elite defensive units, known for relentless pressure and disciplined execution. Texas Tech, at No. 15, thrives at home with explosive offense and toughness, riding recent wins to build contender status.
This Big 12 tilt serves as their second meeting of the season, following Houston’s narrow win in the first. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. local time, with GameDay providing hours of buildup. Admission to the College GameDay broadcast is free—no game ticket needed. Fans and students should arrive early for prime spots, with doors typically opening around 9-10 a.m. The clear bag policy applies for smooth entry, and the West Lot offers public parking (note potential restrictions post-show).
Future on-campus sites for College GameDay will be chosen weekly based on the hottest games and emerging narratives, announced one week ahead. As the men’s basketball season ramps up, College GameDay remains the premier destination for capturing the sport’s passion, drama, and campus spirit on the road to March Madness.
