‘College GameDay’ selects PFT Commenter as guest picker

The choice of ESPN College GameDay‘s guest picker each week often sparks conversation. However, this week’s selection for the show’s visit to James Madison for the Dukes’ home game against the Appalachian State Mountaineers has caused quite a stir. The chosen guest is Barstool Sports personality and Pardon My Take co-host, PFT Commenter:

Excited to announce this week’s guest picker: Pardon My Take and JMU’s very own @PFTCommenter ? pic.com/zx6zjEsGZx

— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) November 17, 2023

This is an intriguing choice on multiple levels. Notably, it’s uncommon to see the show feature someone who goes by an alias (in a non-musician, non-actor capacity). While PFT Commenter’s real name is known to those who seek it, his sports commentary is still largely conducted under that alias.

Furthermore, PFT Commenter is a former (albeit briefly) ESPN personality. In 2017, ESPN heavily promoted the launch of Barstool Van Talk, a new show featuring Pardon My Take‘s PFT Commenter and Dan “Big Cat” Katz. However, the show was swiftly canceled after one episode following internal backlash against ESPN’s association with the controversial Barstool Sports. This makes the choice of PFT Commenter as a guest picker even more noteworthy.

It’s important to note that the sports landscape has evolved since 2017. ESPN is now involved in gambling and has signed a betting deal with Penn Entertainment. They also feature more unconventional personalities, such as former Barstool figure Pat McAfee. Despite this shift, the selection of PFT Commenter as a guest picker is still a remarkable move, considering the circumstances of his departure from ESPN in 2017.

[College GameDay on Twitter]