Kirk Herbstreit recruited Pat McAfee for College GameDay

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 27, 2026, 12:00 AM

Last updated Aug 27, 2026

Kirk Herbstreit recruited Pat McAfee for College GameDay

Summary

Kirk Herbstreit shared that he actively sought Pat McAfee to join ESPN's College GameDay as a full-time analyst. During a podcast with Will Compton and Taylor Lewan, Herbstreit revealed he approached McAfee and an ESPN executive in Indianapolis, urging McAfee's participation. Herbstreit recognized McAfee's entertainment value and humor, feeling they complemented each other despite their differing styles. Since McAfee's addition in 2022, Herbstreit expressed renewed enthusiasm for the show. He indicated his willingness to leave GameDay if McAfee did not remain, highlighting their professional bond.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Herbstreit has been with College GameDay since 1996.
•McAfee officially joined the show in 2022.
•Herbstreit emphasized McAfee's natural humor and talent.
•Herbstreit was prepared to leave GameDay if McAfee departed.
•Their contrasting styles have created a unique chemistry on the show.

Latest Updates

12:00 AMYahoo Sports — Kirk Herbstreit ‘begged’ Pat McAfee to join ‘College GameDay’: ‘I just recognized his talent’

What they're saying

"
If you love watching Pat McAfee on College GameDay every Saturday morning, you can thank Kirk Herbstreit for helping to bring him there. McAfee has been a full-time analyst on ESPN’s College GameDay since 2022, and Herbstreit has been there since 1996. And while the old guard of any sports show might typically be reluctant…
— Yahoo Sports

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