Whether or not ESPN’s College GameDay will make its way back to Mississippi this season is currently unknown, but what is known is that college football’s most popular pre-game show is adding a new member to its cast.
The former NFL punter turned talk show host will make his debut this Saturday in Austin prior to Texas’ matchup with No. 1 Alabama. The news was originally reported by Andrew Marchand of The New York Post before being confirmed by ESPN on Wednesday.
“College GameDay is one of those shows that is universally beloved. It’s an institution. It’s a Saturday tradition for everybody. From truck drivers to suits and all the folks in between, GameDay is a staple of all of our fall routines,” McAfee said. “Getting the opportunity to join full time is an absolute honor. I understand the weight that the show holds in the sports universe and I will try my best to somehow add to it.”
ESPN also announced that McAfee will be part of the network’s coverage of The Rose Bowl Game, the College Football Playoffs, as well as six college football alternate telecasts beginning on October 1.
McAfee, who has worked as a media personality in multiple capacities since retiring from the Indianapolis Colts in 2017, will continue to host the Pat McAfee Show. His duties as a color commentator for WWE’s Smackdown have been put on hold for the time being.
The news of McAfee becoming a full-time member of College GameDay comes amid concerns about the state of longtime host Lee Corso, who turned 87 last month.
Is McAfee the new heir to the headgear? Only time will tell.
