Who Michael Phelps picked in Week 2 of ESPN's GameDay

Michael Phelps captured the hearts of Sun Devil fans when he wore the maroon and gold for Arizona State as a volunteer assistant, but the 23-time gold medalist represented Michigan in Week 2 as a celebrity guest picker on ESPN’s “College GameDay.”

Saturday’s show traveled to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for the highly anticipated SEC/Big Ten clash between No. 9 Michigan and No. 3 Texas, with Phelps wearing maize and blue to support the home team.

Much like his time as an ASU fan, Phelps’ fan interest was intertwined wherever his head coach Bob Bowman went. When Bowman coached swimmers at ASU from 2015 through last season, Phelps was spotted in Tempe working as a volunteer assistant coach.

But Michigan holds a special place in Phelps’ heart and on his body, as he showed off a Michigan “M” tattoo on his hip during the broadcast.

“It was a dream come true to be able to spend four years here,” Phelps said during the broadcast. “My coach was the head coach here. I swam here and it was the best experience. Honestly, that’s what it’s all about. There’s nothing like that feeling here on game day. The hair on my arms stands up. I’m pumped up and ready to go.”

After Phelps’ second Olympic appearance, Bowman became head coach of Michigan’s swimming program and the then 19-year-old followed him to Ann Arbor to continue his training.

During his four-plus years of training, Phelps took classes but did not graduate. Due to NCAA rules at the time, he was unable to join the swim team because of his Speedo endorsement. Instead, he worked as a volunteer assistant coach.

Here are his tips for week 2:

Georgia Tech vs Syracuse

Georgia Tech Institute

California vs. Auburn

Auburn

Kansas vs. Illinois

Kansas

Arkansas vs. Oklahoma State

State of Oklahoma

Iowa State vs. Iowa

Iowa

South Carolina vs. Kentucky

South Carolina

Colorado vs. Nebraska

Nebraska

Tennessee vs. North Carolina State

Tennessee

Michigan vs. Texas

Michigan