ESPN GameDay omits Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin, picks top Week 1 games

ESPN GameDay omits Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin, picks top Week 1 games

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ESPN GameDay omits Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin, picks top Week 1 games

The college football officially gets its season underway this weekend, and Notre Dame will start its 2026 campaign taking on the Wisconsin Badgers.

As they have done for many years, the 500th show today, ESPN’s College GameDay’s crew of Kirk Herbstreit, Pat McAfee, Nick Saban and Desmond Howard along with guest picker Lainey Wilson, country music star. The crew is broadcasting live from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as the LSU Tigers are set to host the Clemson Tigers in what is one of the better matchups of opening weekend.

The ensemble picked games across the country along with their College Football Playoff championship game and winner, excluding the Irish taking on the Badgers since they all believe Notre Dame wins, as you can see each of their picks below.

No. 24 Louisville Cardinals vs. No. 9 Ole Miss

Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Mississippi Rebels special teams coordinator Jake Schoonover against the Miami Hurricanes during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Howard – Ole Miss

Saban – Ole Miss

McAfee – Ole Miss

Herbstreit – Ole Miss

Wilson – Ole Miss

Baylor Bears vs. Auburn Tigers

Auburn Tigers players break huddle during Auburn football practice at Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, Ala. on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.

Howard – Auburn

Saban – Auburn

McAfee – Auburn

Herbstreit – Auburn

Wilson – Auburn

East Carolina Pirates vs. No. 13 Alabama Crimson Tide

Apr 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer calls a play during the Alabama A-Day spring football scrimmage game at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images

Howard – Alabama

Saban – Alabama

McAfee – Alabama

Herbstreit – Alabama

Wilson – Alabama

Clemson Tigers vs. No. 11 LSU Tigers

LSU football coach Lane Kiffin talks with quarterback Husan Longstreet (8) at LSU football practice on Aug. 18, 2026.

Howard – LSU

Saban – LSU

McAfee – LSU

Herbstreit – no pick due to calling LSU vs. Clemson

Wilson – LSU

National Championship Picks

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.

Howard – Notre Dame vs. Texas (win)

Saban – Miami (win) vs. Texas

McAfee – Indiana (win) vs. Ole Miss

Wilson – LSU (win) vs. Miami

Herbstreit – Notre Dame (win) vs. Indiana

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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: ESPN GameDay omits Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin, picks top Week 1 games

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