Key Highlights:
- Brigham Young University freshman Carter Smith, dressed in a Spider-Man suit, hit a dramatic field goal on ESPN’s College GameDay to unlock a $3 million prize package.
- Smith was selected via a raffle after the original contestant failed to present identification, then capitalized on a second-chance kick granted by Pat McAfee.
- The prize funds—split as $2 million for Smith and $1 million for charity—were financed by Pat McAfee, Utah sports owner Ryan Smith, and Ryan Sweeney.
Spider-Man Heroics on ESPN’s College GameDay in Provo
In one of the most electric spectacles in the history of ESPN’s College GameDay, Brigham Young University (BYU) freshman Carter Smith captured national attention on Saturday in Provo, Utah. Donning a full Spider-Man costume, Smith stepped onto the set ahead of BYU’s high-stakes football clash against Notre Dame to participate in the show’s signature field goal kicking challenge, which featured an unprecedented $3 million prize package on the line.
The path to the uprights was an unexpected stroke of fortune for Smith from the start. He was not initially selected to attempt the high-stakes kick; instead, he entered the competition through a raffle after the originally chosen student was disqualified for failing to present valid identification. Standing before a thunderous crowd of fellow BYU students and a national television audience, the freshman suddenly found himself holding the opportunity of a lifetime.
Pat McAfee Grants a Second Chance Worth Millions
When Smith took his initial kick, the football hooked wide right, missing the uprights and seemingly bringing the contest to an agonizing close. However, the energized Provo crowd refused to let the moment slip away, relentlessly chanting and urging the broadcast crew for another try. Hearing the roar of the fans, analyst and contest host Pat McAfee stepped in to grant Smith a redemption attempt.
With silence falling over the crowd just before the snap, Smith approached the ball on his second kick and drilled it cleanly through the uprights. BYU fans instantly erupted into pandemonium, mobbing the superhero-clad freshman as the set transformed into an all-out celebration. The make marked one of the most memorable and highest-stakes kicks ever recorded on College GameDay.
Breaking Down the $3 Million Prize Package
The successful field goal triggered an enormous $3 million payout, establishing a historic windfall for a college fan competition. Under the arrangement, Smith secured $2 million for himself, while the remaining $1 million was directed as a charitable donation.
The multimillion-dollar prize pool was made possible through a collaborative financial commitment involving Pat McAfee, Ryan Smith—the prominent BYU alumnus and Utah sports franchise owner—and Ryan Sweeney, who joined together to back the record-setting contest.
Why This Matters
Fan-participation segments on pregame broadcasts have increasingly turned into premier viral content, but the integration of massive financial stakes funded by high-profile sports figures sets a new precedent for live college football entertainment. The collaborative backing from figures like Pat McAfee and Utah sports owner Ryan Smith showcases how celebrity benefactors and sports stakeholders are leveraging national television moments to create life-changing windfalls for college students while simultaneously directing substantial contributions to charitable causes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Carter Smith get chosen for the College GameDay kick?
Carter Smith was entered into the contest through a raffle after the originally selected participant was disqualified because they were unable to provide proper identification.
How was the $3 million prize distributed?
The total $3 million prize package was divided into $2 million awarded directly to Carter Smith and a $1 million donation designated for charity.
Who funded the $3 million prize on College GameDay?
The payout was backed jointly by ESPN analyst Pat McAfee, BYU and Utah sports owner Ryan Smith, and Ryan Sweeney.
