Pat McAfee’s antics during the 2025 college football season are unquestionably unforgettable. The former NFL punter turned broadcaster has brought a level of wild, unpredictable energy to ESPN’s College GameDay that’s hard to ignore. Plus, on his show, he switches on that extra part of him that even the Big Ten coaches have a field day over. Even Ryan Day had that experience recently.

The Buckeyes coach joined the Pat McAfee show and received a very high-energy, upbeat musical introduction. The host stated, “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.. IT IS TIME TO FEEL THE BEAT,” his co-hosts left everything and started throwing their hands and legs here and there following the beat. But not AJ Hawk. The former OSU legend just had a subtle reply to that, saying, “It’s a joy watching you guys do that.” Despite Hawk’s uncharismatic efforts, McAfee didn’t give up while talking about Ryan Day.

“Joining us now is the man who definitely had to feel the beat because he has a soul unlike AJ Hawk.” Pat continued, “National Champion head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Ryan Day.” As Day chimed in, McAfee naturally asked him if he felt the beat. The coach’s reply? Absolutely hilarious, that put a huge full stop to all of McAfee’s hopes. “I saw the beat,” Day said. He quickly tried to do damage control by replacing the word “saw’ with the word “felt.” But it was too late.

“Now I am starting to think that you didn’t feel the beat coach. Because you said you saw it,” McAfee complained. You can’t expect a 46-YO head coach of the nation’s top team to dance, do you?

It’s just classic Pat McAfee. But when it comes to amping up the energy on ESPN’s College GameDay. He isn’t shy about turning heads in ways that only he can. This season, McAfee has gone shirtless multiple times during the show. It’s become almost a signature move of his, tearing off his shirt like a man possessed to get the local fans pumped up. For example, during the October 11 broadcast from Oregon, he joined Ducks head coach Dan Lanning in going shirtless on stage. That wasn’t just a one-off, either.

He had done it earlier this season, including a splashy final moment in Coral Gables. During that time, he ended the show by leaping into the Miami Hurricanes’ pool wearing only a Speedo after predicting their win against the Gators. The reactions? Mixed.

Many fans see Pat’s wild energy as his way of connecting with college football’s passion. But some viewers and ESPN staff have criticized it. For some of them, the actions serve as self-indulgent or distracting from the show’s football focus. However, the conversation with Ryan Day wasn’t all about feeling the beat. It had more to it.

The secret sauce for the No.1 spot

Pat McAfee didn’t delve into his “feel the beat” vibe for long with Ryan Day joining the call. Because, as it turns out, the host was really interested in knowing how the Buckeyes coach can maintain the No. 1 spot even after 10 weeks. The Answer? Blew McAfee’s mind. “It’s year-round, and the grind that we’re in right now, like this thing’s going all the way to the middle of January. That’s the goal,” Day said. “So when guys walk in the building every day, they have to enjoy being around each other.”

The HC continued, “But we’re on that field, man, it is a fight. And so Tuesday and Wednesday practice around here, like you’ve got to bring it. If you don’t, we call them bloody Tuesdays, man. It’s like, if you’re not bringing it on a Tuesday, I mean, you’re going to get it. And so that’s where it goes.” Pat McAfee was genuinely taken aback by this concept of what’s going on in Columbus. “In 2025, if you are doing bloody tuesday’s then I am on your side,” McAfee said. Bloody Tuesday in Ohio State football is a brutal practice day designed to test players’ physical and mental toughness to the max.

The term started with Urban Meyer’s coaching philosophy. It was first seen back in his Bowling Green days in 2001, and it stuck when he arrived at Ohio State. The goal? Prepare the Buckeyes to dominate on Saturdays by making the hardest day of the week nearly unbearable. Ryan Day is following that same philosophy till now. The Buckeyes’ offense is ranked 24 in yards per game. How can we forget the defense? Matt Patricia’s unit has allowed an average of approximately 6.9 points per game.