In a thrilling display of college football fandom, ESPN College GameDay made its highly-anticipated return to Ann Arbor on Saturday for Michigan's clash against Texas. The iconic show set up camp at Ferry Field, located near the university's athletic practice facilities, captivating the inner oval of the track where legendary athlete Jesse Owens set three world records back in 1935. The live broadcast kicked off at 9 a.m., building up excitement ahead of the noon kickoff.

As tradition dictates, both Michigan and Texas supporters came together to create a lively atmosphere, adorning the background with a plethora of clever and humorous signs behind the show's esteemed commentators, including Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit, and Michigan's own Desmond Howard. Some signs playfully targeted Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, known for his stint at rival Ohio State, while others poked fun at actor Matthew McConaughey, who was scheduled to make an appearance on FOX's Big Noon Kickoff at the same time.

Adding to the star-studded affair, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, who famously trained at the university after his spectacular performance in the 2004 Athens Olympics, served as the show's celebrity guest picker, choosing Michigan over Texas. Additionally, the charismatic actor Will Ferrell graced the set, adding to the excitement and entertainment factor.

This marked the first time since 2018 that ESPN College GameDay descended upon Ann Arbor for a game not involving the renowned rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State. The last occurrence was on October 13, 2018, when the 12th ranked Wolverines triumphed over the 15th ranked Wisconsin with a convincing 38-13 victory. Impressively, Michigan now holds the distinction of being featured on the show a total of 40 times, solidifying its status as a college football powerhouse.

In addition to the star power of Phelps, Ferrell, and McConaughey, other notable personalities such as Derek Jeter, Cooper Manning, and Michigan basketball star Chris Webber also graced Ann Arbor with their presence, adding to the vibrant atmosphere surrounding the game.

The showdown between Michigan and Texas was highly anticipated, marking their first meeting in Ann Arbor. Michigan entered the game as the 10th ranked team nationwide, while Texas boasted an impressive 3rd rank. With a historical backdrop and passionate fans from both sides, the game promised to be an intense and memorable battle on the field.

As the countdown to kickoff began, ESPN College GameDay added an extra layer of excitement, creating an electric aura in the air. Both Michigan and Texas fans eagerly awaited the clash, ready to witness their teams compete in the thrilling spectacle that is college football.

Overall, the return of ESPN College GameDay to Ann Arbor for the Michigan vs. Texas matchup brought the city to life with energy and anticipation. The convergence of sports icons, celebrities, and passionate fans ensured that the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. With the stage set for an exhilarating game, all eyes were on the players as they took to the field to battle for victory.