From back-to-back Stanley Cup wins to appearing on College GameDay.
Matthew Tkachuk, a Winger and Assistant Captain for the Florida Panthers, has been chosen as UM’s guest picker for College GameDay on Saturday.
The Arizona native is excited for this opportunity, as he prepares for the mass of UM fans surrounding him this weekend.
“It’s an honor,” Tkachuk said, “ever since coming down here to South Florida, I’ve been more into college football.”
Tkachuk spoke on the importance of this role to him, and hockey players alike.
“I’ve been a college football fan for a little while,” he said, “but being the first NHL player to be given this honor of being on this grand stage and for the country to see my picks is going to be good.”
Since being traded to the Panthers in the 2022 offseason, Tkachuk has cemented himself as a star in Florida. Tkachuk was named All Star MVP in his home arena in 2023, tied the record for postseason points in 2024, and returned from injury in 2025 to bring the Panthers another cup.
With UM’s storied past of GameDay pickers, from Michael Irvin to Alex Rodriguez, and even Uncle Luke, former frontman of the rap group “2 Live Crew,” Tkachuk is excited to join this list of South Florida celebrities this weekend.
He shared a bit of nervousness as well.
“Hopefully my picks hit,” he said, regarding his prediction of who will win on Saturday.
College GameDay will be broadcast live from the Lakeside Patio starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 12 p.m.