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Utah Apologizes After Instagram Video Targets Pat McAfee

By Drooid · Oct 27, 2026, 23:42 UTC · How we work

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Summary

Pat McAfee said he felt uncomfortable after the University of Utah posted a video.
The Instagram clip showed students calling McAfee “corny” and “creepy.”
The video aired moments before McAfee walked onto the field for Utah’s 21-13 win over Houston.
University of Utah apologized, said staff are fully accountable and affirmed McAfee is always welcome.
ESPN released a statement supporting McAfee and calling his safety concerns very real and valid.

Summary

McAfee warned he may never return to Utah, threatening future College GameDay visits.
Utah has hosted GameDay seven times, including three of the last four seasons.
ESPN reported the Utah broadcast attracted 3 million viewers, the third-most-watched GameDay telecast.
The university removed its Instagram video after McAfee’s criticism.
The “Kicking is Easy” contest offered $1 million, half the $3 million prize given the week before.

History

After Utah accepted a Pac-12 invitation on June 17 2010 and joined the 12-team league on July 1 2011, the university’s football profile surged, drawing regular ESPN College GameDay coverage. Pat McAfee’s 2024 GameDay appearance during Utah’s 21-13 win over Houston sparked an online harassment clip, leading Utah, ESPN and the NCAA to revise safety protocols.

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Historical Context

After Utah accepted a Pac-12 invitation on June 17 2010 and joined the 12-team league on July 1 2011, the university’s football profile surged, drawing regular ESPN College GameDay coverage. Pat McAfee’s 2024 GameDay appearance during Utah’s 21-13 win over Houston sparked an online harassment clip, leading Utah, ESPN and the NCAA to revise safety protocols.

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