WMU-Boise State has major CFP implications, but 'GameDay' doesn't care

And ESPN's "College GameDay" won't be there.

Western Michigan (2-1) is hosting Boise State (2-1) in a marquee nonconference game Saturday, Sept. 26, at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo. The game could go a long way in determining which program gets the Group of Six's guaranteed spot in the 12-team CFP field.

"College GameDay," however, has decided to set up shop in Knoxville, Tennessee, for the game between No. 1 Texas and No. 14 Tennessee at Neyland Stadium.

It marks the 13th trip to Knoxville for "GameDay," which has only been to Kalamazoo once before — a decade ago, in 2016, during Western Michigan 's undefeated regular season, which led to a Cotton Bowl appearance.

Western Michigan figured to get some consideration from the ESPN brain trust, given the story it has become this season, for its controversial 13-12 loss at Michigan in the season opener . The Broncos, under fourth-year head coach Lance Taylor , lost that game on a last-second Hail Mary touchdown from Bryce Underwood to JJ Buchanan , after one second was put back on the clock, giving the Wolverines one last play ( that they shouldn't have gotten, the NCAA said ).

Western Michigan has won its two games since, including a 28-21 victory at Rice on Saturday, Sept. 12. Boise State is coming off a 38-24 victory over South Dakota . Its lone loss was to now-No. 20 Oregon , 34-27, in the season opener.

The game between the two sets of Broncos will kick off at 3:30 p.m., and air on ESPN2. Waldo Stadium, which seats about 30,000, is expected to be sold out.

Western Michigan continues to receive votes in the AP Top 25 poll; it got 27 points this week, which is good for 33rd. On Sunday, Sept. 20, in ESPN's latest CFP projection , Boise State was listed as the Group of Six's representative.

Saturday's game is the first of a home-and-home series between Western Michigan and Boise State. Western Michigan, of the Mid-American Conference, is scheduled to travel to Boise State, of the Pac-12 Conference, in 2029.

"College GameDay" last was in Michigan in 2025, for the Michigan- Ohio State game in Ann Arbor on Nov. 29.

ESPN 'College GameDay' appearances in Michigan

Here's a history of ESPN's "College GameDay" appearances in the state of Michigan:

Michigan, at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor: 16 (last: Nov. 29, 2025, vs. Ohio State)

Michigan State , at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing: 9 (last: Oct. 30, 2021, vs. Michigan)

Western Michigan, at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo: 1 (Nov. 19, 2016, vs. Buffalo)