Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Pat McAfee Becomes Full-Time Member of ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’

  • McAfee will add “College GameDay” to his growing media portfolio.
  • He said he’s been a fan of the show “forever.”
Abigail Dollins / Argus Leader, Sioux Falls Argus Leader

The roundtable at ESPN’s College GameDay has landed a new full-time member: Pat McAfee.

The former player and sports personality will begin his tenure on the show on Saturday, where Alabama will face off against Texas in Austin. 

The news was first reported by The New York Post, but McAfee confirmed it in a tweet. 

He said there were “so many moving parts,” and that conversations “moved quickly.” 

“GameDay is a show that I’ve been a fan of FOREVER,” he said.

“College GameDay” is now one of several shows McAfee will appear on regularly. He also has his own daily talk show, hosts WWE’s “Smackdown, and has even committed to several Mannincast-esque college football broadcasts on ESPN. 

McAfee additionally is in the middle of a four-year, $120 million deal with FanDuel and will have a weekly show for the rebranded FanDuel TV.

“College GameDay” which is perhaps only rivaled by Fox’s “Big Noon Kickoff,” lands in a new location each Saturday morning to highlight a marquee college football game. 

Particularly for Group of 5 schools, landing the show is considered major free marketing for not just a school’s football program, but also the university as a whole.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

ESPN Boosting Coverage of PGA Tour Playoffs

The move comes after a trial run in January.
ESPN personality Pat McAfee, left, shakes hands with President Donald Trump during the Patriot Games held at Spire Academy, Aug. 11, 2026, in Geneva, Ohio.
Opinion

Critics Can No Longer Claim ESPN Is ‘Woke’

ESPN stars and executives had a significant presence at the Patriot Games.
North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) drives to the basket Thursday, March 19, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament first round game against the VCU Rams at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.

Athletes Capitalizing As NCAA Fights to Overturn New Eligibility Ruling

An appeals court will consider whether to pause the initial ruling.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

8/12/26 – Knicks-LeBron Tickets Soar, Trump Backs Infantino, Romo’s CBS Future Unclear

0:00

Featured Today

Trendy Golf Hat Divide Is More Than a Fashion Fight

As golf has gotten trendier, so has the sport’s style.
Joey Spallina of the Maryland Whipsnakes
August 6, 2026

How Eye Black Became ‘War Paint’ on the Field

“You’re going into battle, doing something you only do on game days.”
August 6, 2026

Tom Brady Explains His Aggressive Push Into Trading Cards

Brady talked to FOS about his eponymous card company.
FILE PHOTO: Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings - Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India - April 23, 2026 Mumbai Indians' Suryakumar Yadav in action
August 5, 2026

India Is Stealing Cricket’s Throne From England and Australia

India’s insatiable appetite for cricket has shifted the traditional locus of power.
WPBL
July 30, 2026

Who’s Playing Women’s Professional Baseball?

Sixty players from 11 countries are descending on Illinois for six weeks.
Nov 23, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; The NFL shield logo on the field at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

NFL Faces AI Accusations Over ‘Move the Sticks’ Podcast Feed

The podcast posted a new episode hosted by an unidentified voice.
CBS sportscaster and former NFL quarterback Tony Romo chats with the media Tuesday, June 27, 2023 during the OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois Championship & Pro-Am at Metamora Fields Golf Club.
August 11, 2026

CBS Sports President: ‘No Timetable’ for Romo’s Return

Romo was placed on indefinite leave July 31.
Nov 16, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; General view of CBS Sports NFL today broadcast before the game between the Kansas City Chiefs against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
August 11, 2026

CBS Sports Has a Lot to Live Up to After Banner Year

The Paramount-owned network will rely more on NFC teams this year.
Sponsored

Saints Great Turns to Ownership

Marques Colston discusses his Champions Fund launch and finding success after football.
The Volume
Exclusive
August 11, 2026

David Ross, Anthony Rizzo Rebranding Volume Podcast

The revamped show will cover all of MLB, not just the Cubs.
Nov 15, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian and Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart interact after a game at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
First at FOS
August 11, 2026

SEC Netflix Series Not Returning for Second Season This Year

The show chronicled 10 SEC football teams during the 2024 season.
August 11, 2026

Huge Hall of Fame Game Ratings Point to Another Big Year for NFL

The latest NFL viewership suggests big things to come for the league.
Mar 4, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; The NFL Network logo on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
August 10, 2026

NFL Network Blackout Ends As Comcast, Disney Reach Deal

The agreement ended a blackout lasting more than three months.