Sooners clash with Texas as College GameDay debuts, spotlighting a thrilling SEC showdown and new host Christine Williamson
ESPN's College GameDay is set to make a highly anticipated return for the 2025-26 women's college basketball season, with its debut episode airing this week. The iconic pregame show, long a staple for fans of the men's side, continues its growth in coverage of the women's game, now entering its fifth season of road shows.
This year's opener promises an electric atmosphere as it heads to Austin, Texas, for a top-tier SEC showdown. On Sunday, February 1, College GameDay will broadcast live from the Moody Center, home of the No. 4 Texas Longhorns, as they prepare to host the No. 10 Oklahoma Sooners. The one-hour program kicks off at noon ET on ESPN, building hype ahead of the 3 p.m. tip-off on ABC.
This marks a historic moment for the Longhorns, who will host GameDay for the first time in program history—though they made a previous appearance during last season's SEC Championship game. For the Sooners, this is their inaugural visit to the show's set, adding extra stakes to an already intense rivalry.
Williamson replaces Duncan
Stepping into the host role is Christine Williamson, who takes over after Elle Duncan departed ESPN to become Netflix's lead sports anchor. Williamson's appointment feels like a full-circle moment: she got her major hosting break years ago covering both Oklahoma and Texas for the Big 12 Conference. Her energy, deep basketball knowledge, and fan connection have made her a rising star at ESPN. Since joining the network in 2019, she's hosted SportsCenter editions and served as a reporter for GameDay in prior seasons. Now, she leads the desk full-time for the women's edition while expanding her studio duties.
Joining Williamson is longtime analyst Andraya Carter, a 2023 Sports Emmy nominee entering her fourth season on the women's GameDay. Carter pulls double duty, continuing as a regular contributor to the men's version alongside her women's responsibilities—showcasing her versatility and insight across the sport.
Rounding out the team is Chiney Ogwumike, a two-time WNBA All-Star and respected multi-sport analyst, returning for her third season. The trio brings a mix of on-court experience, sharp analysis, and engaging personalities to break down matchups and spotlight storylines.
The road to the Final Four
This season features five live road shows, starting with the Texas-Oklahoma clash and extending through February and conference championship week (March 8). The slate then transitions into postseason coverage, with ESPN providing exclusive broadcasts of the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship. These on-site productions allow GameDay to immerse viewers in passionate fan bases, dynamic players, and the growing excitement around women's hoops.
“We are incredibly excited to tip off this season of College GameDay with a top-20 matchup between the Longhorns and the Sooners,” said ESPN senior vice president of production Meg Aronowitz. “Our team continues to look for new and innovative ways to highlight these dynamic players and passionate fan bases on a week-to-week basis and we cannot wait to get started.”
The debut underscores the rising profile of women's college basketball, fueled by star talent, competitive conferences like the SEC, and increasing national interest. With high-ranked teams clashing early and the show's signature energy on location, fans can expect a must-watch start to what promises to be another thrilling campaign.