From left, Desmond Howard, Rece Davis, Pat McAfee, Bianca Belair, Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
It was an epic day for Tennessee football at least leading up to the Vols’ matchup with the Florida Gators. ESPN College GameDay made its way to Rocky Top for the first time since 2016, the last time the Vols beat beat Florida. Let’s take a look at some of the sights and sounds from the day, starting with video footage.
GameDay crew makes its picks with WWE star, Knoxville native and former Vols track and field All-American Bianca Belair.
Yes, the game had everybody, from form er Tennessee football head coach Phillip Fulmer to former Florida head coach Steve Spurrier to current Tennessee football head coach Josh Heupel to current Tennessee football quarterback Hendon Hooker. Vol baseball coach Tony Vitello put on a true show, although he doesn’t seem to have gotten arrested.
Vol fans were also out in full force with tons of signs, and plenty were savage. They may have lost 16 of 17 to Florida, but they made sure to win the trash talk battle. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable signs Tennessee football fans came out with in this one.
Finally, let’s relive the moment with all the photos of College GameDay itself and the setup to it. From the fan interaction all the way through the picks, this was what Knoxville needed. It’s evidence of just how hungry Vol fans are right now to be relevant again.
Crews construct the television set for ESPN’s College GameDay show in front of Ayres Hall in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. ESPN’s flagship college football pregame show is returning for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols face the No. 22 Gators on Saturday. The show will air Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon ET.Kns College Gameday
Crews construct the television set for ESPN’s College GameDay show in front of Ayres Hall in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. ESPN’s flagship college football pregame show is returning for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols face the No. 22 Gators on Saturday. The show will air Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon ET.Kns College Gameday
Crews push equipment for the television set for ESPN’s College GameDay show in front of Ayres Hall in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. ESPN’s flagship college football pregame show is returning for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols face the No. 22 Gators on Saturday. The show will air Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon ET.Kns College Gameday
A crew member walks by the video truck for ESPN’s College GameDay show in front of Ayres Hall in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. ESPN’s flagship college football pregame show is returning for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols face the No. 22 Gators on Saturday. The show will air Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon ET.Kns College Gameday
Crews construct the television set for ESPN’s College GameDay show in front of Ayres Hall in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. ESPN’s flagship college football pregame show is returning for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols face the No. 22 Gators on Saturday. The show will air Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon ET.Kns College Gameday
Crews construct the television set for ESPN’s College GameDay show in front of Ayres Hall in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. ESPN’s flagship college football pregame show is returning for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols face the No. 22 Gators on Saturday. The show will air Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon ET.Kns College Gameday
A banner for ESPN’s College GameDay show is set up on stage in front of Ayres Hall in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. ESPN’s flagship college football pregame show is returning for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols face the No. 22 Gators on Saturday. The show will air Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon ET.Kns College Gameday
Students pass by and watch as crews construct the television set for ESPN’s College GameDay show in front of Ayres Hall in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. ESPN’s flagship college football pregame show is returning for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols face the No. 22 Gators on Saturday. The show will air Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon ET.Kns College Gameday
Crews construct the television set for ESPN’s College GameDay show in front of Ayres Hall in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. ESPN’s flagship college football pregame show is returning for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols face the No. 22 Gators on Saturday. The show will air Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon ET.Kns College Gameday
Workers get an aerial view from tap Ayres Hall as crews construct the television set for ESPN’s College GameDay show in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. ESPN’s flagship college football pregame show is returning for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols face the No. 22 Gators on Saturday. The show will air Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon ET.Kns College Gameday
A view of Ayres Hall as crews construct the television set for ESPN’s College GameDay show in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. ESPN’s flagship college football pregame show is returning for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols face the No. 22 Gators on Saturday. The show will air Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon ET.Kns College Gameday
Crews construct the television set for ESPN’s College GameDay show in front of Ayres Hall in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. ESPN’s flagship college football pregame show is returning for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols face the No. 22 Gators on Saturday. The show will air Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon ET.Kns College Gameday
A worker sets up a banner for ESPN’s College GameDay show in front of Ayres Hall in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. ESPN’s flagship college football pregame show is returning for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols face the No. 22 Gators on Saturday. The show will air Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon ET.RANK 1 Kns College Gameday
A worker builds a tower for the television set for ESPN’s College GameDay show in front of Ayres Hall in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. ESPN’s flagship college football pregame show is returning for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols face the No. 22 Gators on Saturday. The show will air Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon ET.Kns College Gameday
Tennessee fans cheer at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Rece Davis arrives on set at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
The main stage is built for ESPN’s College GameDay show in front of Ayres Hall in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. ESPN’s flagship college football pregame show is returning for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols face the No. 22 Gators on Saturday. The show will air Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon ET.RANK 2 Kns College Gameday
Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit host at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
From left, Rice Davis, Pat McAfee and Lee Corso at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Smoky body slams an alligator floatie at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Lee Corso arrives on set at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Tennessee fans hold signs at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Rece Davis at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Gene Wojciechowski at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Kirk Herbstreit at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Desmond Howard at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Tennessee fans cheer at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Lee Corso kisses a Tennessee Volunteers football helmet on the set of the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
From left, Desmond Howard, Rece Davis, Pat McAfee, Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit host the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Tennessee and Florida fans arrive to the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel leaves the set at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Tennessee fans cheer with signs at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Fans arrive to the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Tennessee fans cheer with signs at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Gene Wojciechowski at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
David Pollack shares a laugh with Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel and Jess Sims at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Tennessee baseball head coach Tony Vitello makes an appearance at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
University of Tennessee Chancellor Donde Plowman and her husband Dennis take a photo together backstage at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Tennessee fans cheer with signs at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Fans walk by the ESPN College GameDay bus outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Fans gather at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Tennessee fans cheer with signs at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
A fan watches as analysts speak on stage at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
A Tennessee fan cheers from a stand at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel and David Pollack at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Tennessee fans cheer with signs at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Tennessee fans cheer with signs at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Fans find a view at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
A fan holds their dog at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel and David Pollack at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Tennessee fans cheer with signs at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Florida fans cheer with signs at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Bianca Belair and Lee Corso choose Tennessee to defeat Florida during the ESPN College GameDay show outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Bianca Belair and Lee Corso choose Tennessee to defeat Florida during the ESPN College GameDay show outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
From left, Desmond Howard, Rece Davis and Pat McAfee at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
From left, Rece Davis, Pat McAfee and Lee Corso at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Smoky is brought on stage at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Fans hold signs at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
From left, Brianca Belair, Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
From left, Pat McAfee, Bianca Belair and Lee Corso at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Bianca Belair and Lee Corso share a laugh at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Pat McAfee and Bianca Belair take a selfie photo together at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
From left, Desmond Howard, Rece Davis, Pat McAfee, Bianca Belair, Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Bianca Belair chooses Tennessee to defeat Florida on the ESPN College GameDay show outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
Pat McAfee takes a bite to eat at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The flagship ESPN college football pregame show returned for the tenth time to Knoxville as the No. 12 Vols hosted the No. 22 Gators.Kns Espn College Gameday
This was the 10th time GameDay was ever in Knoxville for a matchup. Of course all of this will be forgotten if Florida wins, and Tennessee football is 3-6 at home with GameDay in town all time, so they can’t take anything for granted. However, as far as an atmosphere goes, very few were more electric than this one on Rocky Top.
Josh Heupel truly has reinvigorated the energy surrounding Tennessee football, and that was on display more than ever Saturday morning. Fans were lining up Thursday for the event, and they’ll likely line up all over campus again if UT wins Saturday.
