Indiana Fan Suffers Double Loss on ‘College GameDay’

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Indiana Fan Suffers Double Loss on ‘College GameDay’

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Oct 31, 2026 11:45 AM ET

An Indiana Hoosiers fan had a Halloween morning to remember for all the wrong reasons after coming agonizingly close to winning $1 million during ESPN’s “College GameDay” broadcast from Bloomington.

Jackson was selected for Pat McAfee’s popular “Kicking Is Easy” challenge, which gives a fan the opportunity to win a life-changing amount of money by making a field goal in front of the national television audience.

With McAfee’s money on the line, Jackson had two opportunities to make the kick and walk away with the massive prize. However, neither attempt found its way through the uprights.

Disappointed Indiana Hoosiers fans.USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The segment has become one of the most anticipated parts of College GameDay, with McAfee regularly putting up $1 million for a selected fan. The Home Depot also matches McAfee’s contribution this season, helping fund the contest.

There have already been some memorable winners in 2026. Texas freshman Connor Kacena-Merrell converted his second attempt to secure a $1.2 million prize, while BYU freshman Carter Smith made his second kick in Provo to collect an incredible $3 million after additional contributions from Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith and his business partner, Ryan Sweeney.

Jackson will not be joining that list of winners, despite coming within inches of a remarkable payday.

TWICE THE HEARTBREAK ON HALLOWEEN

Jackson came SO close on both attempts to win $1 MILLION of @PatMcAfeeShow‘s money! pic.twitter.com/DF1YJtfR9n
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) October 31, 2026