Rece Davis teases potential College GameDay appearance in Tuscaloosa ahead of Tennessee showdown

At times, the state of Alabama has been the center of attention in college basketball this season. Both Alabama and Auburn are competing for an SEC regular season title, with the Crimson Tide currently in first place. The national scene has recognized the programs not just when they have played but with ESPN College GameDay.

Rece Davis and the crew were in Auburn on Saturday, highlighting the Tigers ahead of a huge matchup against Kentucky. Neville Arena has been a frequent stop for the show, making four trips in the past five seasons.

Now, Alabama could be next in line on March 2 when Tennessee is in Tuscaloosa. Davis hinted at the possibility on Wednesday despite the showdown being just under two weeks away.

“I certainly can’t say, we haven’t made a final decision,” Davis said. “But I would say that a trip to Tuscaloosa is something that’s certainly attractive and very high on the board at this point. So, I can’t say but I would encourage people not to book their calendars on Saturday prior to the game. Leave some room for, perhaps, a really nice event that might unfold there should certain things fall a certain way.”

When there was some push back saying College GameDay would definitely be there, Davis once again had some fun.

“I didn’t say that, I didn’t say that,” Davis said. “I didn’t not say that. But I didn’t say that.”

Alabama has been a staple for ESPN College GameDay on the football side, continually being featured throughout the Nick Saban era. With 58 (just 18 of those occurring in Tuscaloosa) appearances on the show, only Ohio State has more with 59.

Basketball has never hosted GameDay, though. In fact, their only involvement came when ESPN went to Auburn in 2023 — a game Alabama won 77-69. But getting Davis, Jay Bilas, and the entire crew to Coleman Coliseum would be a completely new experience.

Pending Wednesday night’s game against Florida, Alabama is atop the SEC with a 10-2 record. Tennessee is in second place at 10-3 but the two could become tied for first by the time we wake up on Thursday.

Auburn, Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina are all a step behind with four losses. If things shake out the right way, there is a chance the March 2 matchup could decide who winds up as SEC regular season champions.

While Davis would not come out and directly say it, Alabama fans can likely begin to prepare for ESPN College GameDay before attending the primetime Tennessee showdown in Tuscaloosa.