ESPN's "College GameDay" is set to descend upon Bloomington, Indiana, ahead of a highly anticipated Week 9 matchup between the Washington Huskies and the undefeated No. 13 Indiana Hoosiers. While the show typically features a celebrity or athlete with ties to the school or city, the choice of guest picker for this event has sparked intrigue among college football enthusiasts.

Uncovering the Gridiron Roots of a Baseball Superstar

From Middletown to Bloomington: Schwarber's Football Journey

Kyle Schwarber, the two-time MLB All-Star and former Indiana Hoosier, has been tapped as the celebrity guest picker for the upcoming "College GameDay" broadcast. However, Schwarber's connection to the sport of football runs deeper than many may realize. Born in Middletown, Ohio, Schwarber honed his athletic skills at the high school level, excelling not only on the baseball diamond but also on the gridiron.Schwarber's prowess as a linebacker earned him Second Team All-Ohio honors during his senior year, showcasing his tenacity and football IQ. From an early age, he demonstrated a natural talent for the game, earning a varsity spot as a sophomore and quickly establishing himself as a leader on the defensive side of the ball. By his senior season, Schwarber was calling his own plays, leading his team to a 10-1 record and an undefeated 7-0 conference campaign.

The Lure of the Hardwood: Schwarber's College Decision

Despite his impressive football credentials, Schwarber ultimately decided to pursue his passion for baseball at the collegiate level. He received several Division I offers to play football, but his heart was set on donning the Hoosiers' uniform and showcasing his skills on the diamond. From 2012 to 2014, Schwarber made a name for himself as an All-American baseball player, helping Indiana reach the College World Series in 2013.

The Tackle That Ended It All?

While Schwarber's decision to focus on baseball may have been driven by his love for the sport, some have speculated that a pivotal moment in his high school football career may have also played a role. According to former Ohio State Buckeye quarterback and NFL wide receiver Braxton Miller, it was his own tackle that effectively ended Schwarber's gridiron aspirations.During a playoff matchup between their respective high school teams, Miller claims to have made Schwarber "absolutely whiff" on an attempted tackle, leaving a lasting impression on the young linebacker. Whether this incident truly marked the end of Schwarber's football career or not, it has become a part of the lore surrounding the MLB slugger's athletic journey.

From the Hardwood to the Batter's Box: Schwarber's MLB Draft and Rise to Stardom

Schwarber's decision to focus on baseball paid off in a big way when he was selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2014 MLB Draft by the Chicago Cubs. His power-hitting prowess and clutch performances, including his contributions to the Cubs' historic World Series victory in 2016, have cemented his status as a baseball superstar.Since then, Schwarber has continued to make his mark in the major leagues, playing for the Washington Nationals and Boston Red Sox before joining the Philadelphia Phillies in 2022. As he returns to his college stomping grounds in Bloomington, Schwarber's presence on the "College GameDay" set will undoubtedly add an extra layer of excitement and nostalgia to the proceedings, as fans and analysts alike reflect on the multifaceted athletic journey of this remarkable athlete.