Pat McAfee announced on social media Wednesday he will be returning to ESPN’s “College GameDay” this season.
The at-times over-the-top analyst posted a video on social media to announce his return to the show after months of speculation that he may not return.
“I’m back,” he exclaimed in a video posted.
“Let’s have the greatest year of college football in the history of college football,” a message read on the video.
It has already been announced that former Alabama coach Nick Saban, who was a weekly guest on the “Pat McAfee Show,” will join the GameDay set in the fall.
In October, McAfee responded to critics of his participation in ESPN’s popular traveling pre-game college football show, revealing he didn’t have a contract beyond 2023 with the show.
A reader survey from The Athletic revealed that of the more than 3,100 participants, 48.9 percent said they “don’t like” McAfee on GameDay. Only 30.1 percent of responders said that they did like him on the show.
“I have heard you all very loud and clear since the beginning of my stint with GameDay,” he posted in October. “It’s one of the biggest reasons why I have not (re-signed) a contract with the legendary show. I’m not right for some crowds, and the ‘distinguished’ College Football folks are definitely one of those.
“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 seven days a week for the last 2 football seasons.”
In December, he pointed out the negative feedback as one of the points for not returning. However, GameDay veteran Kirk Herbstreit, during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show, he would leave with McAfee.
“I’m just going to say this right now,” he said. “If you dare even think of leaving “College GameDay,” I’m leaving with you. I am. I am. I’m dead serious. ...
“I’m not kissing your ass. I’m not just telling you that - and I told you this a lot - that you’ve changed my experience. I work really hard with these three projects I’m on. I’m on GameDay, the Thursday night game with Al (Michaels) and Saturday with Chris (Fowler). You’ve really changed the approach, the energy, not just on the set, but like the week. I’m having a blast. ... It’s like being on a team where you get good energy.”
Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.