This year’s College GameDay shows have come up with creative ways to engage with fans directly, one of which includes Pat McAfee’s kicking challenge, where selected fans try to kick the football for a 33-yard field goal. If the fans are able to make they stand to earn a handsome amount.
The affair got an extra element on Saturday in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. After a fan named Gabby failed to kick the football successfully, she was given another offer. This time, in place of her fellow college football analyst, Kirk Herbstreit would throw the ball through those uprights.
Herbstreit, who is a former Ohio State quarterback, comfortably made the goal with his throw, leaving Gabby excited as she won $300,000.
Seeing this, several college football fans reacted with one saying that the money would change her life.
“Changed her life. Love to see it,” the fan said.
Changed her life. Love to see it
— Duval Nation (@duuuvalworld) October 4, 2025
Several others also chimed in with exciting reactions.
“She was so excited nice throw Herbie,” one fan commented.
“Awesome Baby and Congratulations Ms Gabby!!!!!!!!” another fan added.
“This is a nice gesture. Have you been doing this with all contestants who had unsuccessful kick attempts this year and just not televising it? Seems like past contestants, who probably could have benefited from this life changing money, went home empty handed. What changed?” one fan asked.
“Y’all are thee best humans in the world” one fan noted.
“Would’ve been hilarious if Kirk played heel and just chucked it sideways,” one fan wanted Kirk to throw badly.
How Pat McAfee’s Kicking Challenge Has Gone in 2025
The Pat McAfee Kicking Contest on College GameDay has been going on since Week 1 of college football. In this contest, if the 33-yard kick is successful, the said student will win a handsome cash.
Interestingly, the money handed does not come from ESPN; rather, McAfee funds the challenge with his own money. With every week, the challenge amount has risen. Here’s how it has gone so far in 2025:
Week 1 Texas at Ohio State: The student kicker made the 33-yard attempt and took home $250,000.
Week 2 Michigan at Oklahoma: The kick was successful; $300,000 was awarded.
Week 3 Georgia at Tennessee: The kicker missed. McAfee and Co. offered another attempt with extra incentives, but it did not go through.
Week 4 Florida at Miami: The kicking attempt was also unsuccessful.
Week 5 Oregon at Penn State: A substitute student (from the crowd) performed the kick and successfully made it; the prize was bumped to $300,000.
Thus far, McAfee has reportedly given away over $1 million in prize money.
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