ESPN Backs Pat McAfee After Utah Campus Visit Row

ESPN has defended Pat McAfee after the broadcaster criticized the University of Utah following a College GameDay visit, saying he has "very real and valid" safety concerns. McAfee said on his daily show this week that he felt more uncomfortable at the university than at any other visit, and that he does not plan to return to the Salt Lake City campus with the program. The university has since apologized to him.

What McAfee said about Utah

McAfee said students had made videos mocking him, including impersonations and a student calling him a corny, shirt-ripping clown. The videos were posted on the university's official social media accounts, and McAfee said the school's content left him upset while he was preparing a promotional segment for Utah on the GameDay set.

He also referred to the 2025 shooting that killed political activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, asking whether anything "really scary" had happened recently at a college gathering in Utah. He questioned whether the university should be amplifying reasons people disliked him. Critics of his remarks, including USA Today columnist Matt Hayes, argued that comparing student teasing to Kirk's killing was out of proportion.

McAfee also commented on a kicking contest segment, where a student complained about earning "only" $1 million compared with another student who won $3 million on October 17. Front Office Sports reported that the student missed all three attempts, and McAfee said he was annoyed by her attitude.

ESPN responds

In a statement to Front Office Sports, an ESPN spokeswoman said the network takes all threats seriously and that "the safety and security of our on-air team, crew and fans is paramount at College GameDay." The network said it supports McAfee and recognizes his concerns about safety and security.

Front Office Sports reported, citing sources, that McAfee receives threatening messages, including death threats, on a regular basis. One source said the FBI advised him to wear a bulletproof vest in the week after Kirk was killed. These claims were described by sources and were not detailed in an official statement.

University of Utah apologizes

The University of Utah issued an apology for "any perception that Pat was unsafe or unwelcome" on campus. In a statement, the school said its goal had been light-hearted engagement about McAfee's return, but that "we missed the mark."

The university said staff who review and post content on official social media accounts were responsible for the decision, and that it accepted full accountability. It also said university officials had contacted McAfee to express appreciation and regret, and that he and the GameDay crew remain welcome on campus.

What comes next

ESPN's College GameDay is next scheduled to visit Indiana University on Halloween for a game between the Hoosiers and the Minnesota Golden Gophers. McAfee has said he does not plan to return to Utah with the show. Neither ESPN nor the university has announced further steps in the dispute, and the situation remains a public exchange between the broadcaster, the school and commentators.

As of now, the University of Utah's apology and ESPN's support for McAfee are the main confirmed developments.

Note: Some claims about threats against McAfee come from unnamed sources and have not been officially confirmed.

What we know so far: McAfee criticized the University of Utah on his show, the school apologized, and ESPN said it supports his safety concerns.