BYU freshman Carter Smith became the star of ESPN College GameDay on Saturday, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, by making a field goal worth $3 million in Provo, Utah. The prize for the "Kicking is Easy" contest was significantly increased after Utah Jazz and Mammoth owner Ryan Smith and his business partner, Ryan Sweeney, pledged an additional $2 million to the segment.
The high-stakes moment occurred as College GameDay returned to Brigham Young University for the first time since 2009. The broadcast took place ahead of a matchup between the eighth-ranked Cougars and second-ranked Notre Dame at LaVell Edwards Stadium, a game described as one of the most significant in the stadium's history.
Smith, a freshman from Honey Creek, Iowa, who previously played both football and soccer in high school, participated in the contest while dressed as Spider-Man. His successful kick followed an initial attempt that was described as "hooked wide right," prompting host Pat McAfee to grant him a second opportunity.
Upon Smith booting the ball through the uprights, the BYU campus erupted, with fans celebrating the freshman as he was mobbed by fellow students. The successful 33-yard field goal transformed a $1 million contest into a $3 million payout, a development driven by the contributions of Smith and Sweeney. According to reports, the pair also pledged a $1 million donation to charity.
The massive payout highlights the growing scale of Pat McAfee's "Kicking is Easy" segment, which has become a staple of the college football pregame show. While the specific contest details for the BYU appearance were bolstered by local business interests, the broader impact of the segment is significant.
Financial data indicates the scale of the phenomenon, with reports noting that the Pat McAfee kicking contest has given out $8.5 million throughout the 2026 season. This total reflects the increasing stakes and celebrity involvement in the collegiate-focused segment.
Upcoming BYU Matchup
The Cougars enter their matchup against Notre Dame as the underdog. The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
GameDay Significance
The presence of the ESPN crew in Provo marks a major milestone for the university's athletic program and its national visibility.
