Friday, October 30, 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

NFL’s International Games Surge As Pregame Show Ratings Slip

NFL Network has one more Sunday morning game this season.
American Conference Commissioner Tim Pernetti watches during the first round American Conference Tournament game between Memphis and Tulane in Birmingham, Ala, on March 11, 2026.

Why Private Equity Is Still Hesitant to Invest in College Sports

There’s “plenty of money for the taking,” says Tim Pernetti.
Oct 14, 2026; Birmingham, AL, USA; SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey speaks during the SEC Basketball Tipoff at Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook.
Exclusive

GOP Staffer Urged SEC to Support College Sports Bill Before Midterms

If the Democrats win the House, “you won’t see this bill… being considered.”
Nadia DeMarinis/FOS

Brian Kelly Not Closing Door on Return to Coaching

Kelly tells FOS he’s willing to listen about a return to the sidelines.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/29/26 – Brewers Win World Series, Ernie Leaving ‘Inside the NBA,’ Saquon’s Polymarket Exit

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 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
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?
October 28, 2026

McAfee Details FBI ‘GameDay’ Guidance After Kirk Shooting

He confirmed an FOS story that FBI protected him from assassination attempts.
Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Sal Frelick (10) watches his RBI double during the fifth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays Monday, Oct. 26, 2026 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.
October 29, 2026

Why Fox Downplayed World Series Game 3 Ratings

A Brewers rout and the sports equinox drove viewership far lower.
Sponsored

How the New York Yankees Stay Game-Ready with Sage Intacct

See how Sage Intacct helps the Yankees streamline finances and plan for the future.
Apr 3, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ernie Johnson looks on during a practice session ahead of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
October 28, 2026

Ernie Johnson Leaving ‘Inside the NBA’ After 37 Years

He’ll still be around for March Madness and other projects for TNT and CBS.
Sep 14, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Broadcaster Pat McAfee prior to a game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium.
October 27, 2026

ESPN Stands by McAfee’s ‘Very Real and Valid’ Concerns

An ESPN spokeswoman says the network takes all threats very seriously.
October 27, 2026

Jerry Jones Says Cowboys Hiring Troy Aikman ‘Very Possible’

Jones and Aikman spoke on the field Monday night.
October 27, 2026

WNBA Finals Game 6 Will Test Daytime Sports Viewership

The Valkyries would clinch the WNBA Finals with a win Thursday.