GameDay in Tuscaloosa Features Saban, Theo Von

ESPN’s College GameDay is in Tuscaloosa to preview a rare ranked meeting — the first between Alabama and Vanderbilt since 1937 — as No. 10 Alabama seeks revenge for last season’s upset. The show’s panel includes new analyst Nick Saban alongside Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee and Kirk Herbstreit, and McAfee, Howard and Herbstreit publicly picked Alabama while guest picker Theo Von backed Vanderbilt. Von, a visible Vanderbilt supporter with ties to QB Diego Pavia, drew backlash from many Alabama fans, and Rece Davis defended the choice as an entertainment decision noting Von has previously appeared on GameDay. Analysts, including Saban and ESPN betting analyst Stanford Steve Coughlin, emphasized Alabama must clean up third‑down defense and turnovers and expected a high‑scoring, fast game, with Coughlin leaning Alabama and the over. The broadcast will also feature Terry Saban and a planned live interview with Bill Belichick.