BYU Student Wins $3 Million in Pat McAfee Kick Contest

A student from Brigham Young University (BYU), dressed as Spider-Man, won $3 million by successfully kicking a field goal during Pat McAfee’s “Kicking is Easy” contest. The event took place on ESPN’s College GameDay, which was broadcast from BYU’s campus in Provo, Utah.

The student, identified as Carter, initially missed his first attempt. However, on his second try, which was for the grand prize of $3 million, he successfully kicked the ball through the uprights.

The contest typically awards $1 million, with $500,000 contributed by McAfee and $500,000 matched by Home Depot. For this particular event, the stakes were significantly raised. Ryan Smith, an alumnus of BYU and owner of the Utah Jazz, added $1 million to the prize pool. His business partner, Ryan Sweeney, a Notre Dame graduate, matched this contribution with another $1 million, bringing the total prize to $3 million, doubling the contest's previous record.

During the broadcast, McAfee commented on Carter’s initial kick, noting it had good momentum but spiraled erratically. He then offered Carter another chance at the $3 million prize. McAfee humorously questioned the Book of Mormon's stance on second chances, to which former BYU receiver Austin Collie responded, “A lot.”

ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit offered Carter advice, suggesting he slow down and aim for the left upright, acknowledging Carter's nervousness. Carter's second kick, described as a knuckleball, split the uprights, eliciting a massive eruption from the crowd. Fans rushed the field, lifting Carter in celebration. The BYU vs. Notre Dame football game was scheduled for later that evening.