Let us go back to January 2024. The Michigan Wolverines and the Alabama Crimson Tide were all set to clash for the Rose Bowl and ESPN was ready. They had two separate broadcasting units: a traditional broadcast and a Field Pass broadcast and as you would already know, both booths had completely different energies. On one side, it was Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit on the call, along with Holly Rowe and Laura Rutledge as sideline reporters, the Field Pass broadcast consisted of Pat McAfee, AJ Hawk, Darius Butler, Anthony DiGuilio, Connor Campbell, and Ty Schmit.

Of course, ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ crew had to be controversial and fans got to hear some interesting calls. For instance, “And look at that. BIG. GAPING. HOLE,” McAfee had yelled with excitement while describing a touchdown run from Alabama running back Jase McClellan. “And then Jase (McClellan) shakes the safety out of his shoes.”

When it comes to Pat McAfee’s controversial calls, there is so much to talk about. It was December 2024, and ESPN presented the first round of the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff across multiple channels with the coverage of Ohio State versus Tennessee. With this, they tried to leverage some colorful commentary from the McAfee Show crew. And they delivered. A bit too much.

At the start of the second quarter, Boston Connor spits an inappropriate joke about ‘Big Nut’, the nickname for an Ohio State super fan who is present at all their games.

Obviously, things wouldn’t be much different with the 2025 Rose Bowl game. College GameDay traveled to Pasadena to cover the bowl game between Oregon and Ohio State at Rose Bowl Stadium. Even this year, it’s the former NFL punter who’s calling the game. Dynamic. Energetic. Lively. That’s how you would describe Pat McAfee’s style. However, CFB fans have diverse opinions about this situation.

On the field, Ryan Day could almost see his redemption as Ohio State dominated the undefeated Oregon in the Rose Bowl. A 34-8 halftime lead is more than enough revenge on their previous 32-31 record from their last meeting this season. What made this Rose Bowl game even more memorable was Pat McAfee’s commentary, whether you considered it great or a dud.

Fans can’t decide whether to love or hate Pat McAfee’s Rose Bowl calling…

There are two sides to a coin and this is true when it comes to McAfee’s commentary as well. Some love it. Some hate it. But what’s constant? The attention he captures with his words, whether you like it or not. For instance, some fans were thrilled to hear:

• “Listening to the field pass broadcast with the Pat McAfee crew and it’s awesome. These guys are the best!”
• “Pat McAfee needs to do all the playoffs games! Love listening to him! Lol.”

The energy and fun he brings to the table must have hooked their interest. When Ohio State Buckeyes’ TreVeyon Henderson made a 66-yard touchdown, he put his team in a 31-0 lead. But what made the TD even more memorable was McAfee’s energy. “TreVeyon Henderson. He is at the 30, the 20, the 10. TOUCHDOWN! Buckeyes! A– beating in Pasadena.” That’s how he called the play. Now, that’s something no traditional broadcast booth would say!

• “Not gone lie, Pat McAfee is doing a great job calling this Oregon/OSU game live in the end zone lol…”

But hey, you can’t make everyone happy. As much as one section liked his way of hyping up the game, some probably preferred a more traditional way of calling games. No wonder we saw some negative comments on social media. Some fans boldly declared:

• “Pat McAfee is the worst sports announcer I’ve ever heard lmao.”
• “Why are they letting Pat McAfee do this to the Rose Bowl?”

Well, we presume that words like “shite” didn’t sit well with many fans. But those watching ESPN2 couldn’t have escaped McAfee’s commentary.

What do you think about McAfee’s energetic play-calling style? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.