Kirk Herbstreit is crediting Pat McAfee for reviving his College GameDay performance. The longtime analyst opened up about their bond in a new interview.
What We Know: Herbstreit is now in his 31st year on College GameDay. McAfee joined the show full-time in September 2022 as part of a multi-year ESPN deal, making this his fifth season as a regular. Herbstreit says the pairing has changed his outlook on the job. He points specifically to McAfee’s energy and preparation as the spark.
What They Said: (All quotes via Front Office Sports):
Kirk Herbstreit on how Pat McAfee has rejuvenated his energy for continuing on College GameDay: “He’s [McAfee] also a great teammate. What we do on College GameDay Working as a group. He does a good job in that aspect and always has from the first day he stepped into that room and to be a part of that show. It’s a great relationship. He’s kind of re-invigorated me personally in my 31st year on the show. Having him and his juice that he brings. I love it. It’s been great for me personally.”
Kirk Herbstreit says Pat McAfee brings a lot of depth to his work on College GameDay: “I knew him as a player of course but I we didn’t have a relationship. Then I would go on with him on his show. What I found out quickly was, yeah he’s fun. But super prepared and super dialed in on the subject matter. I just have a great appreciation for people when you talk with them when they are into it themselves. I live this stuff twelve months out of the year. Unfortunately, I don’t have a lot of other habits or hobbies. You can just tell right away when somebody’s in it. Pat [McAfee] is in it.”
Kirk Herbstreit believes people get too caught up in the McAfee’s controversies: “I think people get caught up in the controversial stuff. He takes his jacket off, and his shirt off. But what they don’t get is if he’s awake, he’s like me. He’s preparing for his Monday through Friday show. He’s preparing for College GameDay, and preparing now for Monday night. Whether you agree or disagree with his style, I happen to love it. You can always appreciate that there’s way more depth there than just him sometimes getting the attention that he gets for some of the stuff that he does. That’s what I’ve always loved about it.”
What Remains Unclear: With ESPN reportedly in discussions with McAfee about an extension of their agreement, it’s unknown whether or not McAfee will remain with ESPN for the long-term. College GameDay opened the season last week with its second best viewership in the program’s history for an opening week.
What It Means: Herbstreit’s comments suggest McAfee has become more colleague than outside hire. McAfee has been a flawless replacement for the energy that Lee Corso left behind. However, Herbstreit’s comments suggest something many of McAfee’s critics often overlook. Depth. As debate over McAfee’s style continues, Herbstreit’s endorsement carries weight internally. It signals GameDay’s veteran core has embraced the shift, not merely tolerated it.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
