Pat McAfee invokes Charlie Kirk killing as Utah post sparks 'uncomfortable' GameDay visit

Pat McAfee expressed significant discomfort and took issue with a University of Utah Instagram post that featured students making disparaging remarks about him, especially as he was about to appear on ‘College GameDay.’ McAfee referenced the killing of Charlie Kirk at a Utah university event to highlight his feeling of unease about the post amplifying hostility. The University of Utah issued an apology, stating the post ‘missed the mark’ and that they regretted making McAfee feel unsafe or unwelcome.

• Pat McAfee was upset by a University of Utah Instagram post featuring students mocking him and calling him ‘corny’ and ‘creepy.’
• McAfee referenced the 2025 killing of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University to express his discomfort and concern about the university amplifying negativity.
• The University of Utah removed the post and issued an apology, stating their intention was ‘lighthearted engagement’ but they ‘missed the mark.’
• The university assured McAfee that he and the ‘College GameDay’ crew are always welcome and expressed regret for any perception of unsafety.
• McAfee also expressed frustration with a contestant in his field goal kicking contest questioning the prize money.
• Despite his negative experience, McAfee praised Utah’s football team and thanked the fans who attended the broadcast.