BYU Fan Wins $3 Million Field Goal Kick on College GameDay

Why it matters

The event highlights the increasing integration of high-stakes, interactive fan segments into traditional sports broadcasting. By combining viral potential with significant financial incentives, programs like College GameDay continue to create 'must-watch' moments that extend the reach of the broadcast beyond the actual football game.

A BYU fan dressed in a Spider-Man costume successfully kicked a field goal to win a $3 million prize during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast in Provo on Saturday, October 17, 2026. The contestant missed his first attempt before nailing the second kick to secure the largest payout of the season.

What happened at College GameDay?

The event took place as part of the weekly kicking contest hosted by Pat McAfee during the college football preview show. The prize money was provided through equal contributions from McAfee, Utah Jazz governor Ryan Smith, and Smith's business partner, Ryan Sweeney. This event marked the first time ESPN brought the show to the BYU campus since 2009 for a matchup against No. 2 Notre Dame.

Why this is trending in United States

The viral nature of a fan in a costume winning a multi-million dollar prize has captured significant attention across the United States. The segment serves as a high-profile moment within the 2026 college football season, drawing viewers to both the broadcast and online clips of the kick.

What is confirmed and what is not

It is confirmed that the fan won $3 million and that the total prize money distributed through this specific contest has reached $8.5 million for the 2026 season. While the student's identity has been discussed in local reports, the specific details regarding his background or further plans for the winnings were not available at the time of writing.

Category	Details
Total Prize Won	$3 million
Season Running Total	$8.5 million
Show Location	Provo, Utah
Last Visit to BYU	2009

Frequently asked questions

Who won the $3 million prize at BYU?

A BYU student won the prize during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast. He was dressed in a full Spider-Man suit, excluding the mask, and successfully connected on his second field goal attempt to secure the payout.

Who funded the $3 million prize?

The prize money was provided by three contributors: broadcaster Pat McAfee, Utah Jazz governor Ryan Smith, and business partner Ryan Sweeney. Each individual contributed $1 million toward the total prize awarded to the fan.

Why was College GameDay at BYU?

ESPN brought the College GameDay crew to BYU to preview the university's matchup against the No. 2 ranked Notre Dame team. This was the first time the show had visited the BYU campus since 2009.

How much has the kicking contest given away this season?

According to reports, the weekly kicking contest hosted by Pat McAfee has awarded a total of $8.5 million to participants throughout the 2026 college football season, including the $3 million won by the fan in Provo.

Was the $3 million prize the largest of the season?

Yes, the $3 million payout awarded to the fan on Saturday is the largest single prize distributed during the College GameDay kicking contest throughout the current 2026 college football season.

Did the fan make the kick on his first try?

No. The participant missed his first attempt at the field goal. He was granted a second attempt, which he successfully converted to win the $3 million prize.