Highlights

  • Pat McAfee has not yet signed a new deal with ESPN's College GameDay, potentially due to the dissatisfaction expressed by nearly half of the respondents in a recent poll.
  • McAfee acknowledges that he may not be everyone's favorite and appreciates the 30% who support his style, but recognizes that he may not be the right fit for all audiences.
  • Despite the criticism, McAfee is excited about the future and hints at a potential return to WWE if he leaves GameDay, as WWE fans would welcome him back and he has a good relationship with Michael Cole.

Pat McAfee, the charismatic sports personality and former WWE broadcaster and star, has revealed that he has not yet signed a new deal with ESPN's College GameDay. The announcement comes in response to a recent poll conducted by The Athletic, where nearly half of the respondents, approximately 49%, expressed dissatisfaction with McAfee's work on the show.

Taking to social media to address the poll results, McAfee acknowledged that he understands he might not be everyone's favorite, stating, "I know I'm not everybody's cup of tea." He expressed gratitude to the 30% who supported his style, but also acknowledged that he's aware he isn't the right fit for all audiences, especially the "distinguished" college football crowd. McAfee made it clear that the feedback from fans has played a significant role in his decision-making process regarding his future with College GameDay.

Despite the criticism, McAfee emphasized his excitement about the remainder of the year and his anticipation to see what might be next in his crazy and blessed life. He appreciated the opportunity to work with the GameDay family and his time at the desk, even amidst the challenges of a demanding schedule, working seven days a week during the football seasons. He then posted a gif of him dancing on the WWE SmackDown announce table, potentially hinting that if he leaves GameDay, he'll go back to WWE full-time. He finished with, "The dumbest life of all time shall roll on..."

WWE Fans Would Welcome Him Back

McAfee joined ESPN College GameDay in September 2022, leaving his role as a SmackDown color commentator. Fans were happy for him, but also disappointed to see him leave as he'd developed quite the following. Wade Barrett jumped in as a replacement, getting a call-up from NXT, but McAfee has made sporadic appearances, including a memorable one alongside wrestling legend The Rock on WWE Friday Night SmackDown in September 2022.

McAfee's relationship with Michael Cole is important in all of this because, should McAfee become available to work commentary, Cole would hire him back. In fact, Cole has openly stated that he won't retire from broadcasting until he and McAfee can have a proper run together calling WWE action.