Well, folks, it’s almost time.

College GameDay is making the trip back to Happy Valley, and back to its rightful spot outside of Old Main.

We’ve had some iconic Nittany Lions make a surprise appearance as guest picker each time GameDay comes to Penn State. There’s been Ki-Jana Carter in 2017, Keegan-Michael Key in 2018, Lara Spencer in 2019, Trace McSorley in 2020, Saquon Barkley in 2021, and Key again in 2024. Let’s see who our staffers want to see attend this year’s show.

Ashley Connington: Stephen Nederoscik

Please, please, please bring out Stephen Nederoscik. I was praying to see him as the guest picker last year, and was heartbroken. College GameDay, please don’t break my heart again. There is no one better to bring on Saturday than Mr. Pommel Horse himself. America loves him, Penn State loves him, and I love him.

Plus, he just had a great year, finishing fourth on “Dancing with the Stars.” After, of course, winning two medals, one individual and one for the USA, at the Olympics. There’s no dancing show holding him back from returning to Happy Valley this year. Folks, we have our own Olympian celebrity; let’s utilize him as much as possible.

Christian Gresko: Katie Schumacher-Cawley

I’d love to see Katie Schumacher-Cawley on College GameDay because she’s amazing and inspires everyone. She’s a great role model and led Penn State women’s volleyball to a national championship. Schumacher-Cawley would be perfect as she represents Penn State in all the best ways.

Sylvia Prebor: Ty Burrell

For College GameDay’s guest picker, I want Modern Family legend Ty Burrell, better known as Phil Dunphy. Not only is he hilarious, but he also went to Penn State and the University of Oregon. I know, it would probably be better to have a “pure-bred” Penn Stater, but since he attended both schools, it could create an interesting perspective for GameDay. I think he would also be a hoot to have on the show.

Jayla Nartatez: Tyler Warren

Tyler Warren was one of the greatest football players Penn State has seen and should return to Happy Valley as the GameDay guest picker. Warren was the No. 14 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and was selected by the Indianapolis Colts. As someone who was playing for Penn State less than a year ago, Warren would make some great game predictions and offer excellent commentary on Penn State’s abilities. We all know Warren can do it all, and we want to see him back in Happy Valley.

Michael Siroty: Gavin McKenna

Gavin McKenna is going to have the sports world on tilt come October 3, so let’s get some fans adjusted early. The Penn State men’s hockey freshman made his commitment live on ESPN, so it only makes sense for him to return to the desk and make his picks.

Alexander Holmes: LaVar Arrington

LaVar Arrington has put his name in the media with Penn State’s Roar+ program. I feel he could be a funny addition to the already amazing desk for College Gameday. Not to mention, he is a Penn State alum with his son on the team, who is expected to have a huge impact in the future.

Brandon Hurley: Terry Pegula

Terry Pegula, without a doubt, would be one of the greatest guest pickers for College GameDay. Ball knowledge? The man literally owns the Bills; he doesn’t just know ball, he owns ball. Penn State pride? Besides graduating with a degree in petroleum and natural gas engineering from Penn State, he was a major driving force behind the construction of Pegula Ice Arena. Combine all that with the Bills also having a history of past Penn Staters playing for them, and it would almost be a mistake not to have Pegula pick for GameDay. He knows ball. Pegula for Picker. 

Michael Zeno: Cael Sanderson

Everyone wants the hotshot media personality, the former football star, the viral sensation. Why not just go with the best example of Penn State excellence? Although his wrestling career happened elsewhere, Cael is the only collegiate wrestler to ever go undefeated.

He’s a former Olympic gold medalist, and more importantly, has coached one of the most dominant dynasties in NCAA history. 12 national championships in 15 years. They’ve lost two dual meets in the last decade. He’s an outside-the-box pick that makes sense.

Alex Wilczynski: Keegan-Michael Key

Penn State deserves a guest picker who can bring both the hype and humor, and Keegan-Michael Key checks every box. He’s a proud alum who could fire up the crowd before he even makes a pick, then turn the prediction segment into a full-blown performance. One moment, he’s breaking down the matchup, the next he’s in character, getting the crowd laughing and making the day even more memorable.

Kaitlyn Crenshaw: Abdul Carter

I think Abdul Carter would be a great guest picker at GameDay because he was a key player for Penn State’s defense last year. Why wouldn’t he want to come back to support his old team in this year’s White Out before his home game on Sunday with the New York Giants?

Sarah Nasif: Eli Manning Chad Powers

I think it would be awesome to bring in the one and only Chad Powers, also known as Eli Manning, as the guest picker for College GameDay. As someone whose claim to fame came from trying out for the Nittany Lions’ squad, he has practiced with the team, brought humor to Holuba Hall, and has quickly become embraced by Nittany Nation and across the country. I think Mr. Powers will provide a new angle and perspective on his pick on Saturday. Not only this, but maybe he will get to show off his arm and make a bargain to get a snap or two in the showdown against the Ducks.

Emma Bannister: Russ Rose

Russ Rose was a legend for Penn State women’s volleyball. He coached for 43 seasons and won seven championships before retiring in 2021. His success is undeniable, but his straightforward one-liners make him unique. I think it would be fun for him to be on College GameDay because not only has he made his mark at Penn State, but his dry humor and brutal honesty are unmatched. He would make the show really entertaining, and I would love to see how he’d share his pick.

Liv Pulak: Megan Million

I’ve seen a lot of Megan’s videos on my TikTok, and I have actually seen her in person. I feel like she plays a large role in the Penn State community; although she is not an official “celebrity,” she is very well known across campus. For her to be the guest picker would not only be entertaining, but it would also be interesting for a large audience to learn more about who she is and the positivity she tries to spread across campus. She always brings energy, and College GameDay should love that!!!