BYU Fan in Spider-Man Suit Wins $3M at ESPN's Provo GameDay
A BYU student dressed as Spider-Man won a $3 million field goal prize during ESPN's College GameDay in Provo, Utah, on Saturday. The payout, the largest of the season, was boosted by $1 million each from Pat McAfee, Utah Jazz governor Ryan Smith, and businessman Ryan Sweeney. The event preceded a high-stakes game between No. 2 Notre Dame and No. 8 BYU, with the Cougars ultimately winning 28-24.
Key points
- Carter Smith, a BYU student, successfully kicked a field goal from approximately 33 yards on his second attempt to win the prize.
- The $3 million prize was the largest payout of the 2026 season, bringing the total distributed by McAfee's contest to $8.5 million.
- The event took place at the site of the Notre Dame-BYU game, which marked ESPN's first visit to Provo in 17 years.
- BYU defeated No. 2 Notre Dame 28-24, ending the Irish's 16-game winning streak by double digits.
Background
The event occurred during a highly anticipated matchup between No. 2 Notre Dame and No. 8 BYU in Provo, Utah. This game was significant for both teams' College Football Playoff aspirations and featured a historic return of ESPN's College GameDay to the city after a 17-year absence. Prior to the game, Notre Dame had won 16 consecutive games by double digits, while BYU sought a program-defining victory to secure a playoff spot.
How outlets are covering it
Bleacher Report emphasizes the financial scale of the event, noting that the $3 million prize was the largest of the season and that the total distributed by Pat McAfee's contest reached $8.5 million. The New York Post, cited by Maeil Kyungae, highlights the personal impact on the winner, Carter Smith, describing the win as a 'life reversal' after his initial attempt failed. KSL provides the broader sports context, confirming the final score of the Notre Dame-BYU game as 28-24 in favor of BYU, which ended Notre Dame's long winning streak.
Why it matters
The event underscores the growing commercialization and entertainment value of college football, where high-profile media events like College GameDay can generate significant revenue and public attention. The $3 million prize, funded by local and national figures, highlights the economic impact of major sporting events on host cities and the potential for individual participants to achieve sudden financial success.
What to watch
The outcome of the Notre Dame-BYU game will likely influence College Football Playoff rankings, with BYU's victory potentially securing their spot. The success of the field goal contest may lead to increased funding and larger prizes in future seasons of Pat McAfee's kicking contest.
- Spider-Man scores a $3 million payday with kick at BYU's 'College GameDay' KSL
- Watch BYU Fan Win $3M FG Kick in Spider-Man Costume in Viral Video with Pat McAfee Bleacher Report
- BYU freshman Carter Smith earns $3 million in 'GameDay' kicking contest BYU Daily Universe
- Meet the BYU student who won $3 million for kicking a field goal at ‘College GameDay’ Deseret News
- A college student dressed as Spider-Man in the U.S. participated in an event to kick an American foo.. 매일경제
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