League: WWE Sport: Wrestling Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Dave Portnoy backs Utah amid Pat McAfee's controversy over College GameDay

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 27, 2026, 8:33 PM

Last updated Oct 27, 2026

Dave Portnoy backs Utah amid Pat McAfee's controversy over College GameDay

Summary

Dave Portnoy praised Utah following Pat McAfee's complaints about discomfort during a College GameDay visit. McAfee expressed his unease after students mocked him in a video posted by Utah's social media. ESPN affirmed its support for McAfee's concerns, while Utah issued an apology for the video post. Portnoy speculated whether the situation might be staged, linking it to an upcoming rivalry game between Utah and BYU.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Dave Portnoy enjoyed his visit to Utah, contrasting with McAfee's experience.
•Pat McAfee felt uncomfortable after Utah's social media post mocking him.
•ESPN supports McAfee, citing safety as a priority for hosts and staff.
•Utah apologized for the video, acknowledging it missed the mark.
•Portnoy suggested the feud could be staged, linking it to the Utah-BYU rivalry.

Latest Updates

8:33 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Is This a Work?’ ‘I’d Go Back in a Heartbeat’ — Dave Portnoy Makes Feelings Clear on Pat McAfee-Utah Controversy, Asks If ESPN Star Faked Beef

What they're saying

"
Dave Portnoy apparently left Utah with a very different review than Pat McAfee. With McAfee’s complaints about his “College GameDay” visit turning into a controversy, the Barstool Sports founder offered an enthusiastic endorsement of the school.
— Yahoo Sports

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