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Pat McAfee removes shirt and criticizes The New York Times on GameDay

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 24, 2026, 6:04 PM

Last updated Oct 24, 2026

Pat McAfee removes shirt and criticizes The New York Times on GameDay

Summary

During ESPN’s College GameDay in Salt Lake City on October 24, 2026, Pat McAfee took to the studio desk and removed his shirt, continuing a new tradition. As he did so, he made comments aimed at The New York Times, addressing its negative coverage regarding his role on the show. McAfee expressed that he enjoys college football's chaotic atmosphere and questioned the criticism he receives. His antics come as GameDay reportedly sees rising viewership, attributed partly to his appeal. This event follows recent commentary suggesting McAfee’s presence has shifted the show's focus.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Pat McAfee performed shirtless during College GameDay in Salt Lake City.
•He made jokes about criticism from The New York Times.
•McAfee claims his antics enhance the chaotic atmosphere of college football.
•GameDay's ratings are reportedly at an all-time high.
•Discussion surrounds McAfee's impact on the show's traditional format.

Latest Updates

6:04 PMYahoo Sports — Pat McAfee takes shot at The New York Times while taking off shirt on ‘GameDay’

What they're saying

"
ESPN was true to its word that when Lee Corso retired, the iconic mascot headgear game pick went with him. What replaced that as the centerpiece of College GameDay is Pat McAfee standing on the studio desk and taking off his shirt. How fun and cool you find that to be is up to you,…
— Yahoo Sports

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