Rece Davis, the face of ESPN’s College GameDay, leads a busy life on-air, but his personal life is equally intriguing. His wife hails from Columbus, Georgia, and has a background deeply rooted in CFB. Growing up in a family where the Iron Bowl rivalry runs strong, her household is divided between Bama and Auburn allegiances, making for some spirited game day moments. However, their relationship adds an extra layer of interest to Davis’s public persona, blending sports, family, and fierce CFB rivalry. But who is the woman behind Rece Davis, adding a dash of Iron Bowl excitement to his College GameDay life?

Okay, Rece Davis and Leigh Davis’ love story is a true SEC tale. Leigh, a proud Auburn graduate, hails from Georgia. Rece, an Alabama alumnus, was working at the same TV station in Columbus when they met. Then the two crossed paths when Rece needed help with a press credential for an Auburn game, and the banter about their school rivalry sparked their connection. However, it didn’t take long for their chemistry to lead to something more. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Now, College GameDay host Rece Davis shared a heartfelt tribute to his wife of 31 years, Leigh, on Mother’s Day—and it was nothing short of touching. Married since December 1993, the couple has built a life full of love, laughs, and SEC spirit. On this special day, Leigh took the mound to throw out the first pitch for the very first time. And Rece captured the moment with a beautiful message, writing, “She threw out the first pitch for first time today. She’s always been our Ace! Happy Mother’s Day to my love who gives our kids (and poodle) her whole heart every day. We love you @l.davis2.” Looks like a true love story—on and off the field.

Well, Leigh and Rece Davis raised their two kids, Chris and Elizabeth, in the quiet suburb of Avon, just outside ESPN’s Bristol base. Chris carved out his path at Princeton—baseball star, team captain, student body president, and even a jazz band member! By 2018, he had 33 starts and was leading on and off the field. On the other hand, Elizabeth, now living near NYC, is her brother’s biggest fan. She often calls him a “star” on social media. However, as a theater lover since childhood, Elizabeth’s passion lies on stage, where she shines just as bright.

But back in 2017, what started as a typical day on the diamond turned into every parent’s nightmare for Leigh and Rece Davis. Their son, Chris, then a Princeton baseball player, collided with a teammate during a game against Maryland. It seemed minor at first, but the dizziness and sharp pain told a different story. Doctors soon found a ruptured spleen and rushed him to Washington Hospital Medical Center for emergency surgery. The hours that followed were harrowing. “There are images from that night that I will probably never shake,” Rece told Sports Illustrated. Adding, “Things my wife and daughter and I experienced that night that I’m not sure you’ll ever quite put to bed.”

Although everything is falling into place for the Davis family now, it wasn’t always easy. Rece worked his way up the ladder at WRBL-TV, becoming the weekend news anchor and later sports director. Before making the leap to WJRT-TV in Flint, Michigan, he proposed to Leigh—a moment that marked a turning point in both their careers. Leigh was not just his partner, but his biggest support. “I remember asking him what his goal was, and he told me he wanted to go to ESPN. And so I asked him, ‘Then why are we looking at all these other cities?’” shared Leigh. “Because frankly I didn’t know what I was doing,” Rece admitted.

Now, with her constant support, while Rece lives his dream working with ESPN, he predicts a surprising No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Rece Davis’ latest forecast

Not Arch Manning, but Rece Davis is high on LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier. On the College GameDay Podcast, the ESPN analyst predicted Nussmeier would be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Davis raved about the 5th-year senior’s arm strength, saying the ball “comes out hot and nice” with a “pop off his hand.” While acknowledging some areas for improvement, Davis noted that Nussmeier’s occasional “why did he do that moments” are a sign of his fantastic confidence. To be honest, that kind of swagger is exactly what NFL teams look for in a QB.

Although it’s a bold pick, especially with a stacked QB class next year, it’s gaining traction. Todd McShay, ESPN’s draft expert, shares Davis’ view, putting Nussmeier as the top pick for 2026. Even Fox’s Joel Klatt had glowing praise for the LSU QB. However, despite the hype, Klatt didn’t feature Nussmeier on his latest “NFL Big Board.” It’s a mixed bag of opinions, but one thing’s for sure—Nussmeier’s name is popping up more and more.

However, Nussmeier’s football roots run deep. His father, Doug, spent six years as an NFL QB and now coaches as the OC for the New Orleans Saints. With Derek Carr’s future uncertain, could the Saints eye a local talent like Nussmeier in 2026? Even if he doesn’t go No. 1, plenty of teams will be watching. This season, Nussmeier faces a new cast and tough competition, but his strong football background should help him adapt. It’s clear—the future is bright for this rising star.