For a long while now it’s seemed as though Pat McAfee has outgrown the confines of ESPN and its family of networks. That would certainly explain why a recent rumor about his future with College GameDay makes so much sense.
According to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand, McAfee has “mused” about starting his own version of College GameDay. He would instead do a show of his own to rival the likes of ESPN’s flagship college football pregame show and FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff.
“Pat McAfee has mused with associates about starting his own, independent version of College GameDay, sources tell @AndrewMarchand. McAfee has two years left on his College GameDay contract. Last year, he considered not returning before re-signing,” The Athletic posted on X.
In an excerpt from the article itself, Marchand alleges that McAfee got upset with a member of the GameDay staff for showing him swing and miss in a matchup against the Oklahoma softball team.
Pat McAfee has mused with associates about starting his own, independent version of College GameDay, sources tell @AndrewMarchand.McAfee has two years left on his College GameDay contract. Last year, he considered not returning before re-signing. pic.twitter.com/PXqS4voCAn
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 12, 2025
Football fans are applauding McAfee for the idea, believing that he should be allowed to do things his way if he’s being stifled by ESPN. Others are just hoping that he’s leaving because they’ve gotten tired of him:
“Go do that, Pat. I think it’s a swell idea. People who dig what you do can enjoy it fully for themselves and the rest of us can get Gameday back,” one user wrote.
“McAfee is everything wrong with sports media personified and I’m tired of pretending like he’s just a harmless Schmuck. He and people like him kick actual journalists out of jobs so they can get paid millions to pal around with other rich people. Disgusting swine,” another very angry fan wrote.
“Sounds like someone takes himself too seriously.”
“I’ve seen enough of this act. Let’s move on.”
“This would be so stupid lol. Unless he somehow recruits Herbstreit and Rece Davis it’ll just be another Big Noon.”
Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
McAfee’s presence on College GameDay has led to mixed reactions from fans over the past couple of seasons. His own audience obviously loves him but a lot of fans clearly believe that he’s not the right fit for the show (to put it lightly).
Have we seen the last of McAfee on College GameDay?
Related: ‘College GameDay’ Fans Were Not Happy With Pat McAfee’s Antics This Morning
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