ESPN Executive Responds To Unfortunate Pat McAfee Poll

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jan 13, 2026 3:36 PM ET

Pat McAfee might be considered one of the top personalities at ESPN, but make no mistake, there are plenty of people tired of his antics.

McAfee, a former All-Pro punter for the Indianapolis Colts, joined ESPN in 2019. It wasn't until 2022, however, that he was named a full-time analyst for "College GameDay." His gameday picks and kicking contest have become popular segments on the show, especially now that Lee Corso is retired.

While there's no denying that McAfee has brought some much-needed passion to "College GameDay," it sounds like a decent portion of the football community wants him removed from ESPN's flagship college football show.

According to a survey from The Athletic, 49.5% of voters don't enjoy seeing McAfee on "College GameDay." On the flip side, 31.6% of respondents like McAfee and 18.9% don't have a strong opinion on him.

ESPN analyst Pat McAfee broadcasts live from the sidelines of Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA prior to the start of the Pittsburgh Panthers vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish game on November 15, 2025.© Michael Longo / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

Burke Magnus, the president of content at ESPN, fired back at McAfee's critics this Tuesday.

"I say that people vote with their remote controls…so if three straight seasons of record high audiences for @CollegeGameDay (before & after any measurement changes) qualifies as “declining support” then sign me up for more @PatMcAfeeShow," Magnus wrote on X.

What do McAfee's co-workers think of him?

Back in October, Front Office Sports reported that some ESPN employees are tired of McAfee’s constant complaining.

“Totally unnecessary. Grow up and talk to these people to make it better. You are not a victim,” a source told Front Office Sports. “Everyone is bending over backwards to put you in a good position—and these same people are incentivized for you to succeed.”

We don't expect ESPN to move on from McAfee anytime soon. That being said, he may have to win the public's trust back this fall.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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