An Ohio State legend will take on the role of guest picker for this Saturday’s College GameDay at Ohio State.

Former Ohio State linebacker A.J. Hawk will make his second appearance as the GameDay guest picker in three years. He previously took on this role before the 2022 home game against Michigan.

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Hawk’s appointment as guest picker maintains the trend of featuring former Ohio State football stars when College GameDay visits the campus. 

Justin Fields was the guest picker during the show’s broadcast before Ohio State’s home game against Indiana in November, while C.J. Stroud filled the role before the Buckeyes' home game against Penn State in 2023.

Currently, Hawk co-hosts The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN.

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College GameDay will be live from its traditional spot outside St. John Arena, airing from 9 a.m. to noon on ESPN. The Buckeyes’ first-round College Football Playoff home game against Tennessee is set to kick off at 8 p.m. on ABC and ESPN.

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Hawk enjoyed an impressive football career that began at Ohio State University and extended into the NFL. While playing for the Buckeyes from 2002 to 2005, he quickly became one of the top defensive talents in college football, known for his unwavering work ethic and ability to make big plays. 

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He earned consensus All-American honors twice, in 2004 and 2005, and was awarded the Lombardi Award in 2005, recognizing him as the best linebacker or lineman in the nation.

 His leadership and consistency were crucial in helping Ohio State maintain a formidable defense, culminating in a Fiesta Bowl win against Notre Dame during his senior year.

Hawk's success at Ohio State led to him being selected as the fifth overall pick by the Green Bay Packers in the 2006 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, he made an immediate impact with 121 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and two interceptions, earning All-Rookie honors.

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Throughout his nine seasons in Green Bay, he became an integral part of the team's defense, recognized for his reliability and impressive football intelligence, totaling 947 tackles, 19 sacks, and nine interceptions.

The pinnacle of Hawk's career came during the 2010 season when he played a significant role in the Packers' Super Bowl XLV victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

His versatility and durability marked his NFL career, as he rarely missed a game. After his time with the Packers, Hawk had short stints with the Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons before retiring in 2017.

While not always in the limelight, Hawk’s professionalism, consistent performance, and adaptability made him a highly valued player throughout his career.