College GameDay continues to win hearts with every season, fueled by chaos and entertainment. But tucked inside all that noise is something quieter: the show’s knack for finding stories that remind us college football isn’t just about who wins on the field. College GameDay took some time to enrich the lives of two special fans for their brave fight against cancer. And the CFP Foundation topped it all off with an even bigger gift for the couple.

College GameDay is reserving some golden tickets for fans this season. And this week, the story belonged to Josh Holman, a special education teacher from Illinois, who went viral on social media recently. That’s because he brought College GameDay fever to his classroom, giving it a complete makeover with décor inspired by the show. He, however, has also been fighting a tough battle at home. His wife, Sarah, is fighting cancer and is fortunately responding to treatment.

The two featured in a special segment of GameDay’s coverage of the Tennessee and Georgia clash today. “What an incredible story,” Pat McAfee wrote on X, sharing the couple’s joyous moment that came afterwards. The College Football Playoff Foundation gifted Holman and his school $5,000 so that he can carry on with his impactful work. “It is overwhelming. I think just coming here is like a dream come true. Everyone has been so great. This is just mind-blowing,” he told host Jen Lada after getting the gift.

Holman showcased his passion for college football in his classroom so that it could help students be proud of their own interests. His initiative also had Home Depot pitching in with some gifts. Holman has uniquely blended the show with meaningful decorations for his class. A nod to Tennessee exists in the space as an outline of the state, with the message, “I will give my all in the classroom.” This is a really innovative way to spark inspiration in kids, while also keeping the spirit of college football alive and kicking!

The Holmans have been dealing with a tough time at home. But Sarah sure is a fighter, and now she’s down to her final round of chemotherapy. The College Football Playoff Foundation had more in store for the couple to bring hope and joy to ease their journey through cancer.

The Holmans will be catching Natty’s action, thanks to the College Football Playoff foundation

The Holmans will be watching the Tennessee-Georgia clash live at Tennessee today. But that’s not the only game they’ll be attending this season. The Foundation is sponsoring an expenses-paid trip to Miami for Josh and Sarah, so that they can experience the National Championship game at the Hard Rock Stadium. It’s a wonderful gesture for this pair of devoted college football fans, who were surely in need of some positivity in life.

“This is just unbelievable. And, I’m just so proud of my wife,” Holman said, in gratitude for the gesture. The College GameDay crew, including Pat McAfee, came out to congratulate the pair for their fight. McAfee, who’s been contributing a lot of money to charities himself by way of his Kicking Contest, had a special message for the couple. He wanted the Holmans to hold on to their dream of seeing the Mountaineers clinch the Natty one day. “The Mountaineers might not be in this year. But when they’re in it next year, I would like to buy you guys tickets to that as well,” McAfee said.

College football is often a source of respite for people like Josh and Sarah Holman. The two will be having the time of their lives at the Tennessee-Georgia game, while also awaiting the experience that awaits them at the Hard Rock Stadium in January next year.