Oxford, Miss. – ESPN’s College GameDay will feature a special guest this weekend as the program rolls its live broadcast from The Grove in Oxford ahead of the No. 8 Ole Miss Rebels versus No. 7 LSU Tigers matchup on Sept. 19. Iconic actor and proud Mississippian Morgan Freeman, 89, has been announced as the celebrity guest picker for the pre‑game show.
Freeman’s role and local excitement
Sports analyst Pat McAfee revealed the news on his Thursday show, noting that Freeman will join the College GameDay crew to help select the game’s featured player. “He’s played God, he’s played Nelson Mandela, he’s played a principal, and this weekend, Saturday morning, around noon Eastern time, will be playing celebrity guest here on College Game Day,” McAfee said, adding that he will “shut up” whenever Freeman wishes to speak.
Although Freeman has never attended Ole Miss, he expressed genuine enthusiasm for the event. “And I’m looking forward to this game, I promise you,” he told McAfee, underscoring his connection to the state and the excitement surrounding the rivalry.
Local impact of the broadcast
The College GameDay appearance brings national attention to Oxford, a town that prides itself on its historic charm and strong community values. The live broadcast from The Grove is expected to draw fans, local businesses, and media crews, providing a boost to the local economy and showcasing the town’s hospitality.
University of Mississippi officials have welcomed the opportunity, noting that the event aligns with the university’s tradition of supporting family‑centered, faith‑grounded community gatherings. The presence of a respected figure like Freeman, who has long been a proud advocate of Mississippi’s cultural heritage, reinforces the state’s reputation for producing world‑class talent.
Freeman’s Mississippi roots
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Freeman grew up in Mississippi and has maintained strong ties to the state throughout his distinguished career. After serving four years in the U.S. Air Force during the 1960s, he attended Los Angeles City College, where he worked as a transcript clerk and took acting lessons at the Pasadena Playhouse. He later appeared in the groundbreaking all‑Black production of “Hello, Dolly!” on Broadway in 1968 before achieving worldwide fame in films such as “The Shawshank Redemption,” “Bruce Almighty,” and “Driving Miss Daisy.”
Freeman’s involvement in College GameDay adds a cultural dimension to the sporting event, reminding fans that the love of football often intersects with broader artistic and community values.
What to expect on game day
College GameDay will broadcast live from The Grove, featuring interviews with coaches, players, and fans, as well as Freeman’s guest picker segment. The program will highlight the rivalry’s history, the teams’ current rankings, and the significance of the game for both schools’ championship aspirations.
Following the College GameDay segment, the LSU‑Ole Miss game will kick off at noon Eastern time. Fans in Oxford and across the state are encouraged to attend the game at Vaught‑Hemingway Stadium, where the atmosphere promises to be electric.
Community response
Local residents have expressed pride in hosting the broadcast and welcoming Freeman. “Having Morgan Freeman here is a true honor for our town,” said a longtime Oxford business owner. “It shows that our community values tradition, family, and faith, and we’re excited to share that with the nation.”
The event underscores the importance of community gatherings that celebrate both athletic competition and shared cultural heritage, aligning with the values that many Mississippians hold dear.
Original reporting: KOCO Sports (Oklahoma City) — read the source article.
