Pat McAfee Could Pull His ESPN Show From One Popular Destination

Pat McAfee reacts during ESPN’s College GameDay broadcast in Salt Lake City© X/@NFL_DovKleiman

Pat McAfee left Salt Lake City with a parting shot for Utah fans after a College GameDay appearance turned into a battle of words. The ESPN host had plenty to say after the University of Utah's social media account poked fun at him before Saturday's broadcast. He responded by backing the visiting Houston Cougars against the undefeated Utes, then signed off with a line that hinted at an unwanted return. His remark raised the prospect of McAfee crossing Salt Lake City off his list of future stops.

Pat McAfee could skip one location with his ESPN show

McAfee addressed the crowd during his game prediction segment, but his message was not just about picking a winner. He first thanked the students who had camped out to watch the show and praised the fireworks at the start of the broadcast. His tone changed when he brought up the university's Instagram post, which featured students making fun of his habit of taking off his shirt on air.

“The university's Instagram account posted something talking a little trash about me last night, which I certainly love,” McAfee said.

He then backed Houston, saying the Cougars would earn a big win and expose Utah's schedule. McAfee insisted he would make that pick “ten times out of ten” before delivering his final message to the crowd.

“Thank you, guys. I'll never see you again, hopefully,” he said.

According to The Spun, McAfee appeared unhappy with the experience, although his comments could have been part of the back-and-forth he often shares with college football crowds. His words did not confirm that ESPN's show would avoid Utah in the future, but they made his feelings about another visit clear enough.

Pat McAfee's shirtless antics draw criticism from CFB fans

The clash with Utah was not the only moment that put McAfee under scrutiny during the broadcast. His decision to remove his shirt once again drew criticism online, despite the chilly conditions in Salt Lake City.

According to PFSN, the crowd began chanting for McAfee to take his shirt off early in the show.

He initially pushed back, mentioning criticism from a student who had called the act creepy. However, he eventually gave in to the chants and stood on his chair as former Alabama coach Nick Saban helped him.

The reaction online was not welcoming. With one fan called the show's direction “the saddest falloff in the history of television,” while another complained that McAfee had ruined their favorite part of college football season.