(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Jonah Knubel in Pat McAfee’s Kicking Contest during the broadcast of ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’ at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. A University of Utah student missed out on a $1 million kick.

Fireworks jettisoned from the top of the John R. Park Building kicked off the sixth appearance of ESPN’s “College GameDay” at the University of Utah early Saturday morning. Talk about setting the tone.

ESPN's 'College GameDay' is returning to Salt Lake City on Saturday for the sixth time in its history and first since 2023 as No. 24-ranked Utah hosts No. 16 Ci

The undefeated Cougars will see a 7-1 Texas Tech team that was the preseason favorite to win the league. A win over the Red Raiders would be a huge step toward clinching BYU’s spot in the Big 12 championship game in December.

Smith was the "GameDay" guest picker in 2023 for Utah's game against Oregon, which might deter ESPN from choosing him again. Weddle, one of the best players in Utah history, is another potential option.

The two-day event brings fans of all teams alike together to celebrate one of the biggest games of the week in an entertaining atmosphere. But for the University of Utah, it's a complicated relationship.

As always, Pat McAfee brought the energy and fed off the crowd. The crowd began cheering “take it off” as McAfee contemplated removing his polo shirt and jacket. McAfee then stood up on top of his chair and said, “Gotta do it.” He then sat shirtless in the cold weather.

Utah football fans convince College GameDay host Pat McAfee to remove shirt at start of show ahead of Week 10 matchup with Cincinnati