The energy is different. If you’ve tuned into College GameDay lately, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The iconic Saturday morning ritual doesn't look like it used to. Lee Corso, the man who practically invented the "mascot head" finale, finally took his bow at the start of the 2025 season.
Now, everyone is looking at the guy in the black tank top. Pat McAfee.
But here is the twist: while everyone is Googling Pat McAfee College GameDay replacement, the conversation isn't just about who takes over for him if he leaves. It’s about the fact that Pat basically is the replacement for the entire old-school vibe of the show. And honestly? The internet is losing its mind over it.
The Chaos Behind the Scenes
Last week, a bombshell report from The Athletic dropped. It showed that nearly 50% of fans basically can't stand McAfee’s vibe on the show. That’s a massive number. It’s the kind of data that makes TV executives sweat through their expensive suits.
You’ve got a guy who represents the "new school" of sports media—loud, unfiltered, and prone to WWE-style rants—colliding with a legacy program that’s been a staple for forty years. It was never going to be a smooth ride.
There’s also the contract drama. People keep asking who is going to replace Pat, but the reality is that ESPN is actually trying to lock him down longer. Even though his current $85 million deal runs through 2028, the big bosses like Burke Magnus and Jimmy Pitaro have basically said he’s "bulletproof."
✨ Don't miss: Georgia Tech and the Georgia Game: Why Clean Old-Fashioned Hate Never Gets Old
Why People Are Talking About a Replacement
So, why is the search for a replacement even a thing right now?
Well, for one, Pat is a bit of a flight risk. He’s openly talked about walking away when he feels like he isn't wanted. Back in 2023, he nearly quit because of a similar fan poll. Fast forward to January 2026, and he’s out here on social media calling out "old ESPN people" and "old white people" for hating on his style.
When a guy starts calling his own producers "dinosaurs," you start looking for an exit plan.
The Real List: Who Could Actually Step In?
If Pat decides he’s had enough of the "corporate" life and goes fully independent—which he’s already threatened to do—ESPN has a massive problem. You don't just find another Pat McAfee. But you can find someone to fill the chair.
- Nick Saban: He’s already there. Saban joined the desk in 2024 and, surprisingly, he’s been incredible. He doesn't do the screaming or the kicking contests, but his "GOAT" status gives the show a level of authority it hasn't had since Corso was in his prime. If McAfee leaves, Saban becomes the undisputed anchor.
- Deion Sanders: This is the "break the internet" option. "Coach Prime" has the personality to match McAfee’s energy without the wrestling antics. He’s currently busy coaching Colorado, but the rumors of him moving to the NFL or a big media chair never stop.
- Josh Pate: He’s the rising star. He’s got a massive following with Late Kick and he’s already working with ESPN in different capacities. He’s younger, knows the "new media" game, but keeps it a bit more focused on the actual football.
- Bussin’ With The Boys (Taylor Lewan & Will Compton): If ESPN wants to keep the "bro-culture" energy that Pat brought, these are the guys. They already have a deal with the network for Get Up, and their chemistry is undeniable.
The Corso Void
We have to talk about Lee Corso. His retirement at the start of the 2025 season changed everything. For years, the show ended with a lovable coach putting on a giant mascot head. It was wholesome. It was tradition.
McAfee has replaced that tradition with his "Kicking Contest." He puts his own money on the line for a student to attempt a field goal. It’s high-stakes, it’s loud, and it’s very "McAfee." But for a lot of fans, it feels like a cheap replacement for the magic Corso brought.
Is Pat Leaving?
Probably not. Not yet, anyway.
Despite the friction with producers, the numbers don't lie. Viewership for The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN’s linear channels is actually up. The younger demographic—the one advertisers are obsessed with—is tuning in for him.
But here is the nuance: Pat isn't a traditional employee. He licenses his show to ESPN. He owns the building. He owns the equipment. He can take his ball and go home whenever he wants. That makes the search for a Pat McAfee College GameDay replacement a constant "Plan B" for the network.
🔗 Read more: Final Libertadores 2024 fecha y hora: Lo que nadie te contó de la hazaña en el Monumental
What This Means for Your Saturday Morning
If you’re a fan, you’re basically in one of two camps. You either love the chaos and the kicking and the sleeveless shirts, or you’re counting down the days until the show returns to its roots.
The truth is, the "roots" are gone. College football is a billion-dollar business now, fueled by NIL and conference realignments. The media coverage is just following suit.
What to Watch For:
- The "Independent" Move: Watch if Pat starts doing his own "GameDay" style live shows on YouTube during the season. If that happens, he’s gone from ESPN within six months.
- The Saban Influence: If the show starts leaning more into Saban’s technical breakdowns, it’s a sign they are trying to pivot away from the "shock jock" style.
- Producer Changes: If the "old guard" at ESPN continues to clash with Pat, expect some high-level departures in Bristol.
Basically, the "replacement" for Pat McAfee isn't a person. It’s a decision by ESPN on what they want the show to be. Do they want a football show, or do they want a circus? Right now, they’ve chosen the circus because the tickets are selling.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Follow the Ratings: Keep an eye on the weekly College GameDay vs. Big Noon Kickoff ratings. If Fox starts winning, expect ESPN to make a massive move.
- Watch the Simulcasts: Pat’s "Field Pass" simulcasts for the playoffs were a huge hit, but his contract for them recently expired. If those don't come back, it's a huge red flag for his future at the network.
- Check the Lineup: The 2026 season kickoff will be the ultimate tell. If the desk is the same—Davis, Herbstreit, Howard, Saban, and McAfee—then the "diva" drama was just another day at the office.