“It is a big f*cking deal”: Pat McAfee drops blunt statement on returning to College GameDay following backlash from fans

Pat McAfee announced his return to ESPN's College GameDay for the 2024 season on Wednesday. The sports analyst also dropped a blunt statement after confirming his return to the show, after facing backlash from fans.

In his announcement video which was posted on X, McAfee said:

"We made an announcement that it is officially, official! As Adam Pearce that bald stooge would say, 'I am returning to College GameDay,' and although I don't wanna make a big deal out of it, I know that it's a big f*cking deal that it's happening."

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Pat McAfee addresses The Ahtletic's poll after confirming return to College GameDay

ESPN College GameDay analyst Pat McAfee (Source: IMAGN)

There was speculation that Pat McAfee would not return to College GameDay in 2024 after a poll by The Athletic revealed that 3,100 participants or 48.9% didn't want the analyst back on the show. Around 30.1% of responders voted that they liked McAfee on the show, while 21% didn't have an opinion.

"It was a real moment of looking in the mirror and saying: 'Am I the right person for this job?' Obviously, the Atheltic poll came out last year and like 50% of the people were like 'Get this guy the hell out of College GameDay,'" McAfee said. [at 0:32]

McAfee was reportedly bothered by the poll but insisted that he couldn't resist the offer to return to the show.

"When you get offered the opportunity to join the College GameDay, you can't say no to that. You're talking about one of the greatest shows in the history of television." McAfee said. [at 1:23]

Nonetheless, it's now confirmed that McAfee will make his weekly appearance on College GameDay for the 2024 college football season. As per reports, the GameDay crew begin the season in Dublin, Ireland, when Florida State faces off against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on Aug. 24.

Along with McAfee, there will be another addition to the College GameDay crew this year as former Alabama coach Nick Saban has joined the program.