"It will get figured out" - Pat McAfee on his return to College GameDay amid contract uncertainty

Former NFL punter Pat McAfee has been on the desk of College GameDay since 2022 but he may not be back. McAfee has yet to sign his contract for the 2024 season.

Since going on College GameDay, McAfee has been loved by some and hated by others. He brings energy and unique takes to the panel, but he has yet to sign his contract for the 2024 season, according to The Athletic.

“With the start of the season a little more than two months away, Pat McAfee remains unsigned with ESPN’s ‘College GameDay,’ sources briefed on McAfee’s contract talks told The Athletic,” Andrew Marchand wrote.

Back in May, while on The Pat McAfee show, the former NFL punter said he thinks his contract will eventually get figured out.

“We’re not getting into that,” McAfee laughed, via ON3. “I don’t know if (many, many years) is the case, but it will get figured out. And it will. It was an honor, it is an honor to be a part of College GameDay.”

It is a bit of a surprise that McAfee doesn't have a contract as he signed a deal with ESPN in May 2023 for his self-named YouTube show worth $85 million over five years.

With that, McAfee has been working with ESPN so the relationship is there, but despite that, the former punter has yet to sign an extension.

Pat McAfee hinted at 2023 being his final year on College GameDay

Pat McAfee has been a hit or miss on College GameDay in terms of fan perception.

McAfee can often be perceived as a loud personality, which is why some fans don't like him on the premier flagship show. After a survey by The Athletic which asked fans if they like McAfee on College GameDay, 49% fans said they didn't like it, which is when the punter hinted at 2023 being his final season on the desk.

"This has been brought to my attention more than a few times over the last few days.. I’ve never been friends with a human that reads The Athletic so I’m not 100% sure what style of human these 3100 folks are but.. HUGE Shahtaht to the 30%.. hell yeah.

To the 49%, I have some great news.. I have heard you all very loud and clear since the beginning of my stint with GameDay. It’s one of the biggest reasons why I have not resigned a contract with the legendary show. I’m not right for some crowds and the “distinguished” College Football folks are definitely one of those. Excited to enjoy the rest of this year, that’s shaping up to be a GREAT one, and then see what the future holds."

He continued:

"It’s been an absolute blast and an honor to be at that desk and to work with the fine folks of that family… it’s also been really fun to work 7 days a week for the last 2 football seasons. Nice reminder that I’m still a (expletive) DAWG."

Whether or not McAfee will re-sign and be on College GameDay for 2024 is to be seen.