Pat McAfee’s famous College GameDay field goal challenge delivered another unforgettable moment as Ole Miss freshman James Whitehead won a $1 million prize with a 33-yard kick.
Ole Miss Student Wins $1 Million on Pat McAfee’s Field Goal Challenge
An Ole Miss student became the center of attention during ESPN’s College GameDay on Saturday after making an incredible field goal and winning $1 million.
James Whitehead, a freshman finance major from Pennsylvania, stepped up for Pat McAfee’s field goal challenge at Ole Miss. Despite saying he had never kicked a football before, Whitehead calmly converted a 33-yard field goal on his first attempt.
Even more impressive, Whitehead made the kick barefoot.
McAfee, the former Indianapolis Colts punter who hosts the challenge on College GameDay, immediately praised the effort, calling it “the best kick we have ever seen.”
Who Is James Whitehead?
Whitehead is an Ole Miss freshman studying finance. Although he had never previously kicked a football, he grew up playing soccer, giving him some experience with striking a ball.
Before taking the challenge, Whitehead also contacted his former high school kicker for advice.
His preparation was simple: stay calm, trust his technique and take the opportunity when it came.
“I asked him some tips and then I was just kind of like no need to be nervous, just go with it,” Whitehead said afterward.
That approach worked perfectly.
Why Whitehead Will Split the $1 Million Prize
The story became even more remarkable after Whitehead explained that he plans to share the prize money with a friend.
The winning ticket that gave Whitehead the opportunity to attempt the field goal actually belonged to his friend. The friend handed Whitehead the ticket just seconds before the number was called and trusted him to take the kick.
According to Whitehead, his friend told him, “Here, I trust you. If you get it, we’re splitting it.”
After successfully making the kick, Whitehead said he intended to keep his word.
“I got to be a man of my word,” Whitehead said.
That means the $1 million prize is expected to be divided between the two friends, turning an already remarkable College GameDay moment into an even bigger story.
Pat McAfee’s College GameDay Field Goal Challenge
The Pat McAfee field goal challenge has become one of the recurring features of College GameDay. McAfee draws on his experience as an NFL punter to host the competition at college football campuses.
McAfee played for the Indianapolis Colts from 2009 through 2016 before transitioning into broadcasting and entertainment.
At Ole Miss, his challenge produced one of the biggest prize-winning moments of the season.
College GameDay at Ole Miss
The $1 million kick came as College GameDay visited Ole Miss ahead of a major SEC matchup against LSU.
The No. 9 Rebels entered the game with a 2-0 record, while No. 7 LSU was also 2-0. The matchup was particularly notable because LSU coach Lane Kiffin was returning to Oxford to face his former program.
With thousands of fans gathered at The Grove, Whitehead’s barefoot field goal gave the Ole Miss crowd another memorable moment before kickoff.
For Pat McAfee and College GameDay, it was another example of how the show’s field goal challenge can create unexpected stars. For Whitehead and his friend, however, the moment could be life-changing.
A freshman who had never kicked a football before stepped onto the field, delivered a perfect 33-yard attempt and walked away with a $1 million prize — all while kicking barefoot
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