A freshman named Lucas made the most of his second chance by nailing the kick, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
College football's marquee pregame show, ESPN's "College GameDay," is known for its lively atmosphere and unique segments, including Pat McAfee's "Kick for $25,000" contest. However, this past Saturday's edition in College Station, Texas, took it up a notch when a lucky freshman named Lucas had the chance to win double the money.
With Texas A&M and Notre Dame set to face off in the season opener, McAfee and the "GameDay" crew welcomed a raucous crowd of students and fans. As part of the show's tradition, one student is selected to attempt a 33-yard field goal for a chance to win $25,000.
College GameDay's "Kick for $50,000" Contest Th thrills Crowd
Lucas, a freshman at Texas A&M, was chosen from the crowd and stepped up to the tee. Despite expressing confidence in his abilities, his first kick unfortunately fell short. However, McAfee, known for his infectious enthusiasm and sense of humor, offered Lucas a second chance, doubling the prize to $50,000.
With the pressure mounting, Lucas took a deep breath and focused on the task at hand. McAfee joked that the kick would be the best ball Lucas would ever hit in his life, but that the previous attempt was "nowhere close."
College GameDay's "Kick for $50,000" Contest Th thrills Crowd
Undeterred, Lucas calmly approached the tee and sent the ball soaring through the uprights. The crowd erupted in jubilation, swarming Lucas and chanting his name. The freshman had just won $50,000 in front of a national television audience.
The moment was not only a testament to Lucas's skill and composure but also a reflection of the spirit of "College GameDay." The show has become a beloved tradition for college football fans, offering a blend of entertainment, analysis, and heartwarming stories like Lucas's.
College GameDay's "Kick for $50,000" Contest Th thrills Crowd
As the Aggies and Fighting Irish took the field for their season-opening clash, the memory of Lucas's incredible kick lingered in the air. It was a reminder that even in the high-stakes world of college football, there's always room for a little bit of magic.
In other news from the world of college football:
- Jimbo Fisher was relieved of his head coaching duties at Texas A&M after a disappointing 10-game season last year. Mike Elko, formerly the head coach at Duke, was named as his replacement.
- Notre Dame, under the leadership of Marcus Freeman, won 10 games in 2023. The Fighting Irish will look to build on that success in 2024, as they aim to compete for a berth in the College Football Playoff.
- ESPN's "College GameDay" will continue to travel to iconic college football campuses throughout the season, bringing its unique brand of entertainment and analysis to fans across the country.
