Pat McAfee's ESPN College GameDay fate in limbo as host STILL doesn't have new contract nine weeks before 2024 season

Pat McAfee is still yet to sign a new deal with ESPN's College GameDay just over two months before the start of the new season.

McAfee, who has presented the popular Saturday morning program for the last two years, claimed late last year that he will return for the 2024-25 season despite being out of contract following the end of the previous campaign.

The former Indianapolis Colts punter has a separate agreement with ESPN to license his own talk show every Monday through to Friday, meaning he needs to agree fresh terms to continue in his role as College GameDay host.

Yet according to The Athletic, he remains unsigned with just over nine weeks until the new college football season gets underway.

McAfee is currently serving a five-year contract worth an estimated $85million for his week-daily 'Pat McAfee show' on ESPN, which he reportedly uses to pay guests such as Aaron Rodgers and Nick Saban.

Fans of College GameDay have been divided over his presence on the flagship college football show, with a poll back in October revealing that 48.9 percent of people were not a fan.

The talk show host and WWE commentator responded to the unflattering poll by admitting he had not yet re-signed for that very reason. 

'I have heard you all very loud and clear since the beginning of my stint with GameDay,' McAfee said.

'It’s one of the biggest reasons why I have not [re-signed] a contract with the legendary show. I’m not right for some crowds and the "distinguished" College Football folks are definitely one of those.

'It’s been an absolute blast and an honor to be at that desk and to work with the fine folks of that family,' he continued. 'It’s also been really fun to work 7 days a week for the last 2 football seasons.'

Two months later, however, McAfee said that he will be returning to the program the following season despite his contractual situation.

'If you dare even think of leaving College GameDay, I’m leaving with you,' analyst Kirk Herbstreit told him. 'I am. I am. I’m dead serious.'

The 2024 college football season is due to begin on August 24 with 'Week 0', before College GameDay heads to Notre Dame at Texas A&M's primetime game in Week 1 on August 31.