Field Goal Success at Notre Dame’s Pat McAfee’s College GameDay

The famed statue known as Touchdown Jesus may need a new nickname. During Pat McAfee’s field-goal kicking contest on “College GameDay” at Notre Dame, two field goals were made. Notably, the school’s leprechaun mascot succeeded in his second attempt, resulting in a $500,000 charity donation. Legendary quarterback Joe Montana, along with sponsors Guinness and Coors Light, contributed the funds.

This event took place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the University of Notre Dame. The mascot initially missed, but then made the kick in front of the ESPN audience.

Michael Milano, a junior at Notre Dame, also split the uprights on his second try. Previously a high school soccer player from North Carolina, Milano managed to win a $1 million grand prize, sparking celebrations in South Bend, Indiana. Milano missed his first attempt but succeeded with the second.

Prior to his participation, Milano admitted to McAfee and co-host Kirk Herbstreit that he had no previous experience with an NFL-style football. McAfee humorously accused him of “lying to my face” afterward.

In the 2026 college football season, four students have successfully made the 33-yard field goal in McAfee’s challenge. Notably, McAfee served as a punter and kickoff specialist for the Colts from 2009 to 2016.