Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Brooks Nader knows how to make an entrance. The 29-year-old Louisiana native made a brief but unforgettable appearance on ESPN's College GameDay this Saturday, and the internet wasted no time reacting.
Dressed in a sleek black and yellow dress that screamed LSU Tigers pride, Nader was on set to show love for her hometown team and promote Celsius energy drinks. It was a short visit, but it was more than enough to set the college football world buzzing.
Nader, who has been a staple of the SI Swimsuit issue since her debut in 2019, is no stranger to the spotlight. She was even named a cover model in 2023. But her appearance on the popular pregame show proved she can dominate headlines just as easily on a football set as she does on a beach.
“When I decided to stand in that line in Miami for SI Swim Search with a chance to be in the 2019 issue, I was so nervous, I was doubting myself, I was feeling insecure,” Nader said. “Sports Illustrated literally launched me, launched my career, made other people realize that everything is accepted, everything is O.K., it’s O.K. to be you, and this is the only shoot that I’m literally never nervous for, I’m just excited for, so I feel like that speaks volumes about the team, the experience, like the whole vibe of SI Swimsuit and I’m so lucky to be a part of this family.”
While Nader was the talk of the day, she wasn't the official guest picker. That honor went to country music star Lainey Wilson. But that didn't stop fans from flooding social media with reactions to Nader's outfit, with many calling it a perfect blend of style and school spirit.
This isn't the first time a celebrity has turned heads on College GameDay. The show has a history of memorable fashion moments, and Nader's look will certainly join that list. For those who love the intersection of sports and pop culture, her appearance was a highlight of the weekend.
Nader's star power is only set to rise. Earlier this year, it was announced that she would join the cast of FOX's Baywatch reboot, which is slated for the 2026-2027 season. The show will follow Hobie (Stephen Amell), now a Baywatch Captain, whose world is flipped when his daughter Charlie (Jessica Belkin) arrives eager to continue the Buchannon legacy. Nader will share the screen with former LSU gymnast and fellow SI Swimsuit model Olivia Dunne, adding another layer of excitement for fans.
As college football continues to capture national attention, moments like Nader's GameDay appearance remind us that the sport is about more than just the action on the field—it's a cultural phenomenon. Whether she's on the beach or in the booth, Brooks Nader is proving she's a force to be reckoned with.
For more on the biggest stories in college football, check out the cities that live and breathe the sport. And for more on the fashion moments that have made GameDay iconic, see Paige Spiranac's fiery red golf outfit that lit up social media.
