ESPN host Pat McAfee publicly criticized the University of Utah on Monday after the school’s Instagram account posted a video asking students to share impressions of him ahead of Saturday’s College GameDay broadcast in Salt Lake City. McAfee described the post as making him feel "very, very uncomfortable" and suggested it contributed to an unwelcoming environment.
The university removed the video from its social media accounts following McAfee’s remarks. McAfee also referenced the September 2025 fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, which occurred approximately 40 miles south of Salt Lake City, as a factor in his discomfort. He questioned whether the university should have amplified negative sentiments about him in light of recent violent incidents on Utah campuses.
McAfee made these comments during his Monday appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, where he stated the post "set me off a little bit" and made him feel "a little weird." He added that while he would not have objected to students sharing such remarks independently, the university’s official posting before his on-air appearance created an uncomfortable situation. "The university puts that out, like as I’m about to go out and do an infomercial for the place, and then I’m walking in front of thousands of these people," McAfee said. "This is how the university feels about it."
University Response
The University of Utah has not publicly addressed McAfee’s remarks as of publication. The school’s Instagram account, which posted the video, has since removed the content. McAfee did not indicate whether he plans to return to Utah for future broadcasts or events.
Broader Context
McAfee’s comments follow his criticism of the University of Utah’s fan base during the College GameDay broadcast, where he stated, "Did not enjoy the University of Utah." He described the social media post as a key factor in his dissatisfaction, though he did not elaborate on other aspects of his experience. The Charlie Kirk shooting in 2025 has been cited in multiple contexts regarding campus safety in Utah, though no direct connection between the incident and McAfee’s remarks has been established.
McAfee, a former NFL punter and current ESPN personality, is known for his outspoken commentary and has previously engaged in public feuds with universities and personalities. His remarks about the University of Utah’s social media post mark the latest instance of his addressing perceived slights in public forums.