Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia Bulldogs

UGA student misses $400K GameDay kick — but hits off-air attempt for $100K

ESPN’s College GameDay is in Athens for the UGA-Ole Miss game.
Ben Guymon (center) prepares to compete for $100,000 during Pat McAfee’s Kicking Contest during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. Guymon missed on his first try but made a second kick during the commercial break. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Kirk Herbstreit (kneeling) sets up a ball for country artist Jelly Roll, the week’s guest picker, during Pat McAfee’s Kicking Contest on the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Former UGA kicker Rodrigo Blankenship (center) hugs Pat McAfee while Kirk Herbstreit (right) looks on during Pat McAfee’s Kicking Contest on the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Former UGA kicker Rodrigo Blankenship kicks a field goal during Pat McAfee’s Kicking Contest on the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Ben Guymon competes for $100,000 during Pat McAfee’s Kicking Contest during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. Guymon missed on his first try but made a second kick during the commercial break. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
UGA fans get painted before the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
UGA fans pose for a photo before the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
UGA fans pose for photos before the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
A cameraman fires up the crowd before the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Crew members direct the crowd before the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
UGA fans wait for the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA to start on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
UGA fans pose for photos before the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
UGA fans yell into a camera before the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Country artists Bailey Zimmerman and Luke Combs perform during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Countdown to GameDay host Harry Douglas greets the crowd before the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Kirk Herbstreit enters the area for the Pat McAfee Kicking Contest during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Former UGA kicker Rodrigo Blankenship watches the football he just kicked during Pat McAfee’s Kicking Contest during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Singer-songwriter Jelly Roll (left) and analyst Kirk Herbstreit celebrate during the Pat McAfee kicking contest on the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. Jelly Roll is the week’s celebrity guest picker. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Former UGA kicker Rodrigo Blankenship (left) takes a photo with a fan during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Former Penn State head coach James Franklin (left) talks with Nick Saban (middle) and Kirk Herbstreit (right) during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
UGA cheerleaders appear during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
A UGA cheerleader pops up behind the set during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
UGA fans hold up signs before the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Live mascot UGA XI, also known as “Boom,” appears during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
An announcer interviews UGA fans before the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
From left, Harry Douglas, Christine Williamson, and Harry Lyles Jr. co-host Countdown to GameDay before the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
From left, Desmond Howard, host Rece Davis, and Pat McAfee talk football during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Host Rece Davis (left) and Pat McAfee talk football during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
UGA fans cheer during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
UGA cheerleaders cheer during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
From left, Desmond Howard, Rece Davis, Pat McAfee, Nick Saban, and Kirk Herbstreit talk football during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Pat McAfee (left) interviews UGA head football coach Kirby Smart during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
From left, Desmond Howard, Rece Davis, Pat McAfee, Nick Saban, and Kirk Herbstreit talk football during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Desmond Howard (left) and host Rece Davis talk football during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
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Ben Guymon (center) prepares to compete for $100,000 during Pat McAfee’s Kicking Contest during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. Guymon missed on his first try but made a second kick during the commercial break. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
By
Oct 18, 2025

University of Georgia student Ben Guymon missed his field goal attempt during Saturday’s broadcast of College GameDay in Athens.

But GameDay host Pat McAfee let him redeem himself during a commercial break.

Guymon, a psychology major at UGA, was selected as the participant for the weekly kicking contest on ESPN’s traveling show. After additional financial commitments from McAfee and guest artist Jelly Roll his kick attempt would’ve earned him $400,000.

Explore‘College GameDay’ to be in Athens for Georgia-Ole Miss

The student notably removed his shoes for the attempt. His on-air attempt had the distance but missed the uprights to the left.

According to College GameDay’s social media, McAfee offered Guymon a redemption kick worth $100K, which he made, during the commercial break.

Former UGA kicker Rodrigo Blankenship was a surprise guest brought out to kick the charity portion of the contest after Jelly Roll’s attempt missed wide left. Blankenship’s field goal, which he made easily, was worth $600,000 after host contributions. The money will be donated to an Athens-area charity, according to the show.

Ben Guymon (center) prepares to compete for $100,000 during Pat McAfee’s Kicking Contest during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. Guymon missed on his first try but made a second kick during the commercial break. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Kirk Herbstreit (kneeling) sets up a ball for country artist Jelly Roll, the week’s guest picker, during Pat McAfee’s Kicking Contest on the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Former UGA kicker Rodrigo Blankenship (center) hugs Pat McAfee while Kirk Herbstreit (right) looks on during Pat McAfee’s Kicking Contest on the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Former UGA kicker Rodrigo Blankenship kicks a field goal during Pat McAfee’s Kicking Contest on the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Ben Guymon competes for $100,000 during Pat McAfee’s Kicking Contest during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. Guymon missed on his first try but made a second kick during the commercial break. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
UGA fans get painted before the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
UGA fans pose for a photo before the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
UGA fans pose for photos before the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
A cameraman fires up the crowd before the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Crew members direct the crowd before the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
UGA fans wait for the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA to start on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
UGA fans pose for photos before the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
UGA fans yell into a camera before the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Country artists Bailey Zimmerman and Luke Combs perform during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Countdown to GameDay host Harry Douglas greets the crowd before the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Kirk Herbstreit enters the area for the Pat McAfee Kicking Contest during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Former UGA kicker Rodrigo Blankenship watches the football he just kicked during Pat McAfee’s Kicking Contest during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Singer-songwriter Jelly Roll (left) and analyst Kirk Herbstreit celebrate during the Pat McAfee kicking contest on the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. Jelly Roll is the week’s celebrity guest picker. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Former UGA kicker Rodrigo Blankenship (left) takes a photo with a fan during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Former Penn State head coach James Franklin (left) talks with Nick Saban (middle) and Kirk Herbstreit (right) during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
UGA cheerleaders appear during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
A UGA cheerleader pops up behind the set during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
UGA fans hold up signs before the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Live mascot UGA XI, also known as “Boom,” appears during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
An announcer interviews UGA fans before the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
From left, Harry Douglas, Christine Williamson, and Harry Lyles Jr. co-host Countdown to GameDay before the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
From left, Desmond Howard, host Rece Davis, and Pat McAfee talk football during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Host Rece Davis (left) and Pat McAfee talk football during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
UGA fans cheer during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
UGA cheerleaders cheer during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
From left, Desmond Howard, Rece Davis, Pat McAfee, Nick Saban, and Kirk Herbstreit talk football during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Pat McAfee (left) interviews UGA head football coach Kirby Smart during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
From left, Desmond Howard, Rece Davis, Pat McAfee, Nick Saban, and Kirk Herbstreit talk football during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
Desmond Howard (left) and host Rece Davis talk football during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)
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Ben Guymon (center) prepares to compete for $100,000 during Pat McAfee’s Kicking Contest during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast from Myers Quad at UGA on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. Guymon missed on his first try but made a second kick during the commercial break. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)

About the Author

Caitlyn Stroh-Page is the senior sports editor high school sports and college football at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Her resume includes stops at Sports Illustrated Kids, Scout.com, The (Macon) Telegraph, the Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader and the Athens Banner-Herald. A South Georgia native, Stroh-Page lives in the Athens area.

Follow Caitlyn Stroh-Page on twitter
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