Predictions for 'College GameDay' guest picker for Alabama vs. Georgia

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Predictions for 'College GameDay' guest picker for Alabama vs. Georgia

Elliot Reeder, Roll Tide Wire · Roll Tide Wire

Mon, Oct 5, 2026 ·

3 min read

Bryce Young, NFL quarterback

Sep 20, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) looks to pass during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner and 2023 No. 1 overall NFL draft pick, Bryce Young is one of the greatest quarterbacks in Alabama history. Young has been one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL this season. Young also has history with Georgia, having played against the Bulldogs in the 2021 SEC Championship Game in which he threw for 421 yards, as well as the 2021 CFP national championship. The Panthers have their bye week this upcoming weekend, which opens up the door schedule-wise for Young to potentially be the guest picker.

Oba Femi, WWE superstar

Oba Femi is introduced during WWE Friday Night SmackDown at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Friday, July 10, 2026.

28-year old WWE phenom Oba Femi, born Isaac Odugbesan , could be a strong option for ESPN if they opt to do some cross-promotion. ESPN currently owns the United States broadcast rights to WWE "premium live events" where Femi has become a fan-favorite with his patented entrance strut and powerful pro-wrestling style. Femi was a shot-put thrower at Alabama from 2019-22 where he was a two-time SEC Indoor conference champion. Femi toured the Alabama football facilities prior to the season, and was also featured on the "Paul Finebaum Show" at that time.

Julio Jones, retired NFL wide receiver

Dec 22, 2019; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) warms-up before their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

One of the greatest wide receivers of all time, Julio Jones holds a key spot in Alabama history as arguably the player that helped turn Alabama into a wide receiver factory. Having one of the premier players of the last couple decades would be a smart decision for GameDay. Jones also has history with Georgia as he went for five catches, 94 yards, and a touchdown in Alabama's 41-30 win over Georgia in the infamous Georgia blackout game in Athens during his freshman season in 2008. Jones is also set to feature in the Nick Saban documentary that ESPN is putting out, of which the first episode of is set to be released on Thursday .

Justin Thomas, pro golfer

Sep 27, 2026; Medinah, Illinois, USA; Justin Thomas of the U.S. Team watches his birdie putt on the 15th green after putting to win his match during the final round of the Presidents Cup. Mandatory Credit: Jerod Ringwald-Imagn Images

If GameDay elects to go back to someone who has been the guest picker before, professional golfer Justin Thomas could be the choice. Thomas was previously the guest picker back in 2019 for the monstrous matchup between Alabama and LSU that season. Thomas was on the golf team at Alabama for two years, where he helped lead Alabama to a national championship in 2013, before turning pro. Thomas is a two-time winner of the PGA Championship and is currently the No. 26 ranked golfer in the world. Thomas recently competed for the United States in the 2026 President's Cup.

Walker Hayes, singer

Walker Hayes opens for Kane Brown during Brown’s Blessed & Free tour at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga, Tenn., on May 7, 2022.

If ESPN elects to go with a non-athlete guest picker, Walker Hayes could be the answer. Hayes, who's song "Fancy Like" topped US Country charts in 2021 and 2022 is a native of Mobile, Alabama and is an Alabama fan. Several years ago, Hayes featured Alabama players Byron Young and Ja'Corey Brooks in a music video.

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