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Mradul Sharma

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  • Published: Aug 30 2025 06:14 PM
  • Last Updated: Aug 30 2025 06:37 PM

Learn where and how to watch College GameDay for free today. Get the full 2025 schedule, streaming options, and details on Lee Corso’s final season.


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College GameDay, ESPN’s beloved Saturday morning show, starts its 2025 season live from Columbus, Ohio, on August 30, leading into the high-stakes matchup between No. 3 Ohio State and No. 1 Texas. This episode is extra special—it’s the final live appearance of legendary analyst Lee Corso, who announced his retirement in April at age 90. He began the famous headgear pick ritual at Ohio State back in 1996.

Where and How to Watch College GameDay for Free

College GameDay Free Platforms

Platform Details
DIRECTV (Free Trial) Offers a 5-day free trial that includes ESPN—perfect to catch this week’s GameDay without cable.
ESPN’s DTC Streaming Service ESPN’s direct-to-consumer streaming (Unlimited package) includes live ESPN access for ~$29.99/month.
Hulu + Live TV (Free Trial) Includes live ESPN and other channels—great for following the entire lineup of Week 1 college football action.

2025 College GameDay Schedule So Far

  • Week 1 – August 30 (Columbus, OH): College GameDay airs 9 a.m.–12 p.m. ET from outside St. John Arena as Ohio State hosts Texas.

  • Week 2 – September 6 (Norman, OK): Show heads to Oklahoma for Michigan vs. Oklahoma.

  • Remaining Weeks: Dates and locations are not yet confirmed.

Why This Episode Matters So Much

Lee Corso Retirement

  • End of an Era: Lee Corso, who has been with College GameDay since 1987, will deliver his final headgear pick.

  • Sentimental Setting: The show returns to the same stadium where Corso made his first headgear choice in 1996.

  • Top-Tier Matchup: Texas vs. Ohio State is a highly anticipated rematch, adding drama to Corso’s farewell.

FAQ

The show airs live on Saturday, August 30, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET.

It will broadcast from outside St. John Arena on the Ohio State campus in Columbus, Ohio.

You can stream it through services offering free trials—DIRECTV, Sling TV (Orange), or Hulu + Live TV—all of which include ESPN.

This episode marks Lee Corso’s last live appearance after nearly four decades. It’s a poignant farewell at the site where his Mascot Headgear tradition began.

ESPN revamped its season-opening strategy to focus on honoring Corso, spiriting away resources from international broadcasts for dramatic effect.

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