Unleashed: Brian 'The Boz' Bosworth Named Guest Picker For College GameDay's CFP Opener

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The celebrity guest picker for ESPN's College GameDay today, Friday, December 19, 2025, is none other than Oklahoma Sooners legend, Brian 'The Boz' Bosworth. The iconic college football analyst show has traveled to the University of Oklahoma's South Oval in Norman, Oklahoma, to cover the high-stakes College Football Playoff First Round matchup between the No. 8 Oklahoma Sooners and the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide. This selection brings one of the most polarizing and decorated figures in Sooners history back to the heart of campus for the biggest game of the year.

The choice of 'The Boz' is a clear nod to the home crowd as the Sooners host their first-ever CFP game on campus, setting the stage for an electric atmosphere. Brian Bosworth, famous for his fierce play, radical hairstyles, and outspoken nature, will join the main cast—Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso, Desmond Howard, and Pat McAfee—to make his official picks for the inaugural 12-team playoff field. His appearance is poised to be one of the most memorable of the season, especially given the intense rivalry and playoff pressure surrounding the Oklahoma-Alabama clash.

Brian "The Boz" Bosworth: Full Biography and Career Highlights

Brian Bosworth is a name synonymous with dominant college football and unbridled controversy. His three seasons at Oklahoma cemented him as one of the most unforgettable players in the sport's history. His return to the GameDay set in Norman is a full-circle moment for the former linebacker, who remains a celebrated figure in the Sooner State.

Here is a detailed look at the life and career of the legendary Brian Bosworth:

  • Full Name: Brian Keith Bosworth
  • Born: March 9, 1965, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
  • College: University of Oklahoma (1984–1986)
  • Position: Linebacker (LB)
  • Jersey Number: 44
  • Nickname: "The Boz"
  • Butkus Award Wins: 1985 and 1986 (The only player in college football history to win the award twice)
  • All-American: Consensus All-American in 1985 and 1986
  • Tackle Record: Led Oklahoma in tackles all three seasons of his career
  • Career Tackles: Finished his collegiate career with 395 total tackles
  • Single-Game Record: Set the Oklahoma school record for tackles in a game with 22 against Miami in 1986
  • NCAA Controversy: Was known for his outspoken criticism of the NCAA, which led to his dismissal from the team before his final bowl game.
  • Professional Career: Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the 1987 NFL Supplemental Draft. His NFL career was cut short due to a shoulder injury.
  • Hall of Fame: Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015
  • Acting Career: Appeared in several films, most notably the 1991 action movie Stone Cold.

Why Brian Bosworth is the Perfect Choice for the Sooners' CFP Showdown

The selection of Brian Bosworth is more than just a celebrity cameo; it's a strategic move that injects pure, unadulterated passion and an intimate knowledge of the Oklahoma program into the broadcast. As the Sooners face the mighty Alabama Crimson Tide, a program they rarely encounter, the energy and historical weight of a Sooner icon are paramount.

Bosworth's connection to the program is unmatched. He played during a dominant era for Oklahoma football, and his presence on the South Oval will undoubtedly fire up the student section and the entire fanbase. The atmosphere for a College Football Playoff game is already intense, and 'The Boz' thrives in that environment. His history of setting records and playing in high-stakes games—including the memorable rivalry matchups of the mid-80s—lends genuine authority to his game analysis and, most importantly, his final picks.

Furthermore, Bosworth’s reputation for being provocative and unpredictable aligns perfectly with the electric nature of the GameDay set. Fans tune in not just for the analysis but for the entertainment, and Bosworth is guaranteed to deliver a memorable segment. His picks will carry extra weight, especially if he predicts a massive upset over the heavily favored Crimson Tide, a choice that would send the Norman crowd into a frenzy.

The CFP Double-Header: The Other Star Pickers and Locations

In a unique move to cover the expanded College Football Playoff, ESPN has announced a dual broadcast strategy for the opening weekend, leading to two major celebrity guest picker announcements. While Brian Bosworth is the star for the Friday, December 19th show in Norman, another Heisman winner is slated for the Saturday broadcast.

The second major broadcast location for the CFP First Round coverage is College Station, Texas, where the No. 12 Texas A&M Aggies will host the No. 5 Miami Hurricanes on Saturday, December 20th. For this pivotal matchup, ESPN has announced that former Texas A&M quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner, Johnny Manziel, will serve as the celebrity guest picker.

This dual-picker strategy ensures that both high-profile, on-campus playoff games have a local legend to anchor the pre-game show. Manziel, like Bosworth, is a famously outspoken and charismatic player whose return to his alma mater will generate massive buzz. His picks for the rest of the CFP bracket, alongside Bosworth's, will be highly scrutinized by fans and analysts alike, setting the tone for the entire playoff field.

The decision to feature two of college football's most notorious and talented players—Bosworth and Manziel—on the same weekend underscores the magnitude of the new 12-team playoff format. It’s a move designed to maximize topical authority, fan engagement, and entertainment value across the entire opening round of the College Football Playoff. The combination of 'The Boz' and 'Johnny Football' guarantees a weekend of unpredictable picks and unforgettable television.

The High Stakes: Oklahoma vs. Alabama CFP First Round

The game Brian Bosworth will be picking is one of the most anticipated of the year. The Oklahoma Sooners, under their new coaching staff, have had a resurgent season, earning a home playoff game in Norman. Their opponent, the Alabama Crimson Tide, is a perennial powerhouse with a history of playoff dominance.

The matchup features two of the most storied programs in college football history, making it a dream scenario for the expanded playoffs. Bosworth's insights will be particularly valuable as he breaks down the defensive battle, a facet of the game where he excelled. His analysis of the line play and the defensive schemes will be a highlight for fans looking for more than just surface-level commentary. The winner of this game advances to the next round, dramatically increasing the pressure on both teams and, by extension, on the *GameDay* crew's final predictions.

In conclusion, all eyes are on Brian Bosworth today as he takes his place on the College GameDay set. His presence not only honors the tradition of Oklahoma football but also adds an explosive element of star power to the College Football Playoff's opening day. Expect bold predictions and classic 'Boz' energy as the Sooners prepare to battle the Crimson Tide for a spot in the next round of the CFP. The stage is set for a historic day of football, and the legendary linebacker is ready to lead the charge.

who is the guest picker on gameday today
who is the guest picker on gameday today

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