Pat McAfee Joining ESPN's "College GameDay", Leaving Smackdown

You hate to see him go. Pat McAfee has announced via Twitter and his show that he is becoming a full-time member of ESPN’s “College GameDay.” He also said he is temporarily leaving his role as a color commentator on “Smackdown.”

These reports were confirmed by The New York Post and USA Today.

McAfee had the following to say:

Getting to join @CollegeGameDay full time is an ABSOLUTE HONOR…

??I CAN'T WAIT for Austin Texas this Saturday#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/EZZyMftE9P

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 7, 2022

SmackDAHN will be on hold for a little bit while I do College GameDay.. I'm still VERY much in the WWE family & will still be doing things with WWE#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/bhSpOYg3wW

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 7, 2022

Triple H chimed in as well, talking about this opportunity:

(McAfee) approached us about his amazing opportunity with College GameDay. We’d never stand in Pat’s way as he continues to architect his exceptional career. Pat will remain a member of the WWE Universe, and we look forward to his return.

.@PatMcAfeeShow approached us about his amazing opportunity with College GameDay. We’d never stand in Pat’s way, as he continues to architect his exceptional career.

Pat will remain a member of the @WWE Universe and we look forward to his return. #UpToSomethingSZN

— Triple H (@TripleH) September 7, 2022

He has been a part of the Smackdown commentary team, along with Michael Cole, since April 16, 2021.

Editor’s Opinion:

I have mixed feelings about this. As a huge college football fan, I watch College GameDay almost weekly and love what their show brings to the sport. McAfee is a perfect addition to the program; his energy and antics will blend perfectly with the characters in place. However, he will be greatly missed on Smackdown as he and Cole have incredible chemistry together. Anything that McAfee does is gold, and I can’t wait to see whatever he does next!

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