College GameDay Reportedly Nearing Pat McAfee Crisis
Pat McAfee's status on College GameDay appears to be in limbo.
McAfee joined the ESPN event as a regular analyst in 2022, and he's been by far the most entertaining part of the program ever since.
However, he's not been shy about the fact he's aware some older fans might not like his high-energy approach to GameDay. Now, it sounds like it's unclear whether he'll return.
Andrew Marchand of The Athletic reported Tuesday that the former Colts kicker turned media superstar "remains unsigned" with the season a little more than two months away.
"McAfee, the 37-year-old talk show host, wrestling analyst and firebrand, said late last year that he would return to the program, but a deal to make that official is still not completed," Marchand reported.
The known GameDay members for the upcoming season are Nick Saban, Rece Davis, Desmond Howard, Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso. Now, all eyes will be on McAfee to see what his fate will be.
Pat McAfee reportedly hasn't signed a new College GameDay contract. (Photo by Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Pat McAfee reportedly doesn't have a contract for College GameDay.
The news from Marchand, while concerning, isn't exactly shocking. McAfee announced last October that he hadn't signed a new deal because he was aware some fans didn't like him in response to a survey from The Athletic. The survey showed 48.9% of fans didn't like the star host on the show.
"To the 49%, I have some great news.. I have heard you all very loud and clear since the beginning of my stint with GameDay. It’s one of the biggest reasons why I have not resigned a contract with the legendary show. I’m not right for some crowds and the ‘distinguished’ College Football folks are definitely one of those," McAfee tweeted at the time.
Well, it appears he was serious about not signing a contract because it's June, and he reportedly doesn't have one..
To make matters worse for ESPN, Kirk Herbstreit claimed he might also leave the show if McAfee does. Is the network about to have a major domino effect unfold if McAfee walks? It seems possible.
Furthermore, McAfee is one of the very few entertaining parts of the network. Outside of live sporting events, ESPN has become borderline unwatchable.
Who is the one person who always generates attention and headlines? Pat McAfee. This is the man dishing out cash to college students to make kicks on the program.
McAfee brings a level of passion, energy and intensity that ESPN and GameDay desperately need. He walks and ESPN is going to find itself in a horrible situation with its premier college football program racing in the wrong direction.
What do you think McAfee and ESPN should do? Let me know at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.