LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – The national sports spotlight was on Lubbock Saturday, as ESPN’s College GameDay broadcast took the stage outside and in Jones Stadium, ahead of the nationally broadcast BYU-Texas Tech game. GameDay travels to the site of college football games each week; its other trip to Lubbock was in 2008.
Fans sit on a pump jack during College GameDay before the NCAA college football game between Texas Tech and BYU, Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)(Annie Rice | AP)
Reece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Nick Saban and Pat McAffee began the show on the green space west of the stadium at 8 a.m.
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire joined the panel, discussing the enthusiasm and support Tech has received.
“I love these students and this university,” McGuire said, with the large crowd surrounding the set and beyond.
Texas Tech cheer was among several spirit groups at GameDay Nov. 8, 2025.(KCBD)
The crew moved to the east sideline inside Jones Stadium for the final hour, with the west side of the stadium serving at its backdrop. Students sat feet away from the set, in the students’ section.
The final hour of GameDay was hosted inside Jones Stadium Nov. 8, 2025.(KCBD)
Former Red Raider quarterback Patrick Mahomes appeared as guest picker on GameDay. Of course, he selected his alma mater to win.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who played at Texas Tech, gestures before his picks on ESPN’s “College GameDay” before the NCAA college football game between Texas Tech and BYU, Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)(Annie Rice | AP)
After the big win, some fans described to us the experience of College GameDay and a top-10 win.
“It was amazing it was a great time, great crowd. I came from El Paso just to watch the game, amazing I love Texas Tech,” one fan said.
“We just beat em! We are 90s alumni and it’s the best game since the Crabtree win and we’ll take the win!,” another fan told us.
Fans were already gathered, even outside the set area, in the 6 a.m. hour Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025.(KCBD)
The line to enter the GameDay crowd area opened at 5:30 Saturday morning, though some students and fans were lined up several hours earlier.
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