Wednesday, October 21, 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

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

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.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Josh Pate Front Office Sports Tuned In

Josh Pate: Internet Hate Is ‘Not Real Life’

Pate learned the lesson on campus trips alongside Danny Kanell.

Army-Navy Could Shift Dates to Accommodate 24-Team CFP

The game could take place the Saturday left open without conference championships.

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
Oct 28, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Hall of Fame quterback Troy Aikman stands with his Monday Night Football Broadcast announcer Joe Buck before a game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Buck, Aikman Avoid the Elephant in the ‘MNF’ Booth

Aikman and Buck focused purely on football in their ‘MNF’ intro.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/21/26 – T-Mac Backs Clippers Penalty, 80-to-1 Rays Haunt Sportsbooks, Jay-Z Picks Jay-Z

0:00

Featured Today

Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.

Netflix Releases Q3 Earnings, Preps Big Q4 for Sports

The streaming giant tried to put a hopeful spin on staff cuts.
October 19, 2026

NBC Sports Faces Pivotal Week

The network and its parent company are at a key inflection point.
CBS Sports NFL B Team covering the Cincinnati Bengals versus New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 25, 2022.
October 20, 2026

Evan Washburn Eyes March Madness for His ‘Instant Film Room’

The CBS sideline reporter has put a new spin on postgame interviews.
Sponsored

Blake Griffin’s Plan for Media Domination

The former NBA star is building a second act across media & entertainment.
Sponsored

Why Brands Are Betting On Major League Soccer

Discover why brands are investing in MLS as the league builds on World Cup momentum to drive fan engagement and sponsorship growth.
October 19, 2026

WNBA Finals Goes Hollywood With ‘Orange Carpet’ Show

E! is bringing red carpet coverage to Game 2 of the Finals.
Troy Aikman
Exclusive
October 16, 2026

Troy Aikman, Dolphins Have No Ongoing Consulting Agreement

Aikman’s official role ended with the coach and GM searches.
Opinion
October 15, 2026

Troy Aikman–Joe Buck Breakup Looks More Likely Than Ever

ESPN hasn’t formally offered Troy Aikman a new deal, sources say.