ESPN is turning to one of Tennessee’s most accomplished athletes for College GameDay.
Candace Parker has been selected as the celebrity guest picker for College GameDay ahead of No. 15 Tennessee’s matchup with No. 6 Georgia at Neyland Stadium.
The Lady Vols legend who won back-to-back national championships under the late Pat Summitt in 2007 and 2008. She retired from the WNBA in 2024 after 16 seasons and is among the most decorated players in women’s basketball history. A three-time league champion, two-time MVP and longtime TNT basketball analyst, she remains closely tied to Knoxville and the Lady Vols program.
ESPN highlighted that connection in announcing her role. “A true Tennessee legend… now she’s coming back to Knoxville as this weekend’s guest picker.”
A true Tennessee legend 👏@Candace_Parker won two national titles with the Lady Vols and now she's coming back to Knoxville as this weekend's guest picker 🍊 pic.twitter.com/SWSkLdE7Ax
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) September 11, 2025
Parker is excited for the return to Knoxville. “If you cut me, I bleed orange. That’s why I am so excited that College GameDay is coming to Knoxville," she said in a video posted to social media.
Saturday marks the first SEC test of the season for both Tennessee (2-0) and Georgia (2-0). The Bulldogs have won eight straight in the series, dating back to Kirby Smart’s first season in Athens, but questions surround the Bulldogs as they prepare for the first road start.
Oddsmakers initially made Georgia a touchdown favorite, but the line has narrowed went down to 4.5 points as kickoff approaches.
The game will serve as Tennessee’s Checker Neyland showcase, with fans creating a coordinated orange-and-white pattern throughout the stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC, with Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Holly Rowe on the call.
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