McAfee Crew Recalls Wild 2025 Football Season Moments

From Marine Boot Camps to Super Bowl Dreams: McAfee Crew Relives Football’s Best

The 2025-2026 football season might be in the rearview mirror, but the indelible moments forged on the gridiron and beyond are still echoing through The Pat McAfee Show. As the crew takes a brief hiatus before diving headfirst into the combine, they’ve shared their most cherished memories from a year that was as unpredictable as it was unforgettable. From the hallowed grounds of Marine Corps boot camp to the deafening roar of NFL stadiums, the cast offered a fascinating glimpse into what truly resonated with them.

A Season of Diverse Experiences

Pat McAfee himself kicked off the retrospective, highlighting a year that blurred the lines between entertainment and real-world experiences. His season began not on a football field, but in Australia, filming ‘The Mosquito Bull’ and undertaking the profound honor of serving as a drill instructor for Marines. “The greatest generation of all time being a drill instructor for the Marines, which is like the baddest [expletive] on earth. It was an incredible honor,” McAfee recalled. This immersive experience, followed by the electrifying atmosphere of college football, including a $250,000 moment at Ohio State vs. Texas and the extensive College GameDay tour, set the stage for a year of unique adventures.

McAfee’s personal journey also included a musical collaboration in Nashville with artists like Ernest and Seth, and the exciting news of his acting role in ‘Tulsa King’. “Taking on this experiment called Pat McAfee. He’s an actor. I mean, this guy just finished Tulsa King,” was how one colleague described his burgeoning Hollywood career. The football season, however, remained the bedrock, providing the platform for all these endeavors. “Football is the reason why any of it has ever existed. So, I’m so incredibly thankful,” McAfee expressed.

The Weekly Rituals That Define the Show

For many on the show, the heart of the football season lies in the weekly guests who bring their unique insights and personalities. Monday’s staple, Adam ‘Shafty’ Shaft, was lauded for his “greatest” insights and infectious energy, even if his live appearances often came amidst chaotic car rides. “Shafty is the greatest. Gives us all the info. Fun fact about Shafty before he goes on air and we pot him up over here. He’s a maniac. He’s always on the phone. He’s always doing something. He’s always ready to go. Love Chefy,” one cast member enthused.

Tuesdays featured Coach Bruce Arens in studio, while Wednesdays brought AQ Shipley, whose ‘red light’ sessions and unique recovery methods, like the full-body stand in the ‘tower’, provided ample entertainment. “Visual. You put your arms out like that like you’re Jesus. Dan, you stand there for 10 minutes,” was described, highlighting the quirky camaraderie. JJ, another regular, was praised for his seamless integration into the show’s dynamic, even if his personal life sometimes dictated his presence. “My son wanted to go to the beach this morning. I said, ‘I got the show at 10:00.’ He said, ‘I want to go to the beach.’ And he just started screaming. So, we went to the beach. I tried to do the show from the beach…”

Fridays were reserved for Coach Saving, whose unwavering loyalty to Michigan State University was a recurring and beloved theme. Coach Mike’s acquisition of a new job, stemming from his involvement with the show, was also a significant highlight. The discussion of college football’s evolving landscape, particularly regarding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal, led to a spirited debate. “To me, in this day and age of the culture we have now in college football, paying players, name, image, and likeness, transferring, it’s an advantage for the Big 10. I don’t care. You’ll never convince me otherwise,” one commentator argued, citing the perceived reluctance of Southern players to move North without financial incentives.

Defining Moments on the Field

When it came to specific game moments, the selections were as diverse as the season itself.

• Jeremiah Smith’s Championship Clincher: One standout moment for many was a decisive play in a championship game. “Fourth down. Mendoza draw, spins, dives, touchdown. That’s the moment of the year,” was a strong contender, signifying a dramatic victory.
• Keonte Scott’s Pick-Six: For Miami Hurricanes fans, Keonte Scott’s interception return for a touchdown in the Cotton Bowl against Ohio State was a highlight. “Keonte Scott, pick six all the way back to the crib. Whatever he wanted all year, I’ll holl at you. I’ll holl at you. Ke should have been a Thorp award winner. Big six, baby. Big time,” the excitement was palpable. The commentator added, “In the moment on the call, Pat killed the call. I get in there. Hey, this kid should have worn the Heisman. Jim Thorp award. I’m sorry. Caleb DS great year. As I’m saying it, hitting a Thor poles. You can’t top that, man.”
• Micah Parsons to Green Bay: A seismic shift in the NFL landscape was Micah Parsons’ trade to the Green Bay Packers. “My favorite moment of this year, hands down, was Mike Parsons getting traded to the Packers. Uh, as a Packers fan, I talk about that big type of trade every single year. It never happens. Uh, we started to hear that, hey, this this could be a possibility. And then ultimately, it came true. And boy, did I GO APESHIT,” a jubilant Packers supporter exclaimed. The impact was immediate: “his first game as a Packer at home against the Lions. He chases down Jared Goff. Massive sack. A lot of people who were in the building said it is the loudest Lambo has maybe ever been.” While the season eventually faltered, the initial euphoria was undeniable: “But boy, what a time to be alive. What a time to be a Packers fan.”
• New Year’s Eve Doubleheader: The travel and excitement surrounding New Year’s Eve bowl games resonated with some. “For me, my favorite one was probably New Year’s Eve traveling. Actually, from the Cotton Bowl in Jerry World to Pasadena. You know, you get to call a great game. Ohio State Miami. It’s awesome. Comes down to the wire. Ohio State loses. Get to watch AJ squirm a little bit, him all pissed off. Get him riled up on those flights from uh, you know, from Dallas to Pasadena. And then going to the Rose Bowl, watching that, the granddaddy of them all. That never gets old,” one commentator reminisced.
• Indiana’s Upset Bid: An early season upset that caught attention was Indiana taking a significant lead against Alabama. “Unbelievable. What a start FOR IU. INDIANA’S GOING TO BE UP BY 10 POINTS AGAINST ALABAMA. Fingertip grab just inches away from Boston. Connor, who loses his mind.”
• Steelers’ AFC North Crown: The dramatic conclusion to the NFL season, specifically Week 18, saw the Pittsburgh Steelers clinch the AFC North. “Week 18, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before the game, Father Maxwell blesses the field. Tyler Loop misses a 44 yd field goal. Which knocks Baltimore out, gives Pittsburgh, the Steelers, the AFC North crown, propels them into the playoffs.” This also led to significant coaching changes: “John Harbaugh is relieved of his duties… Mike Tomlin steps down in Pittsburgh. Coach Tomlin, a man who had coached the Pittsburgh Steelers for 19 seasons… informed his team… that he’ll be stepping down as a Steelers head coach. Jesse Mentor is hired in Baltimore and Big Mike, our guy Mike McCarthy, comes home to Pittsburgh.”
• Miami Hurricanes’ Resurgence: The Miami Hurricanes’ strong start, including a Week 1 upset over Notre Dame and a trip to the College Football Playoff, was a source of pride. “We talk about a team. We’re talking about the Miami Hurricanes. Week one, underdogs beat Notre Dame. Stay hot. What do we do? Week four, college game day. Pat runs, takes off 33 ft, high dive. One of the greatest things I’ve ever seen all time.” The playoff run included a thrilling win over Texas A&M, sealed by a Malachi Tony Fitzgerald interception: “Malachi Tony Fitzgerald interception to end it. Rice Fitzgerald to put ice on the MIAMI HURRICANES heading to the Cotton Bowl to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes.”
• Ohio State’s Michigan Victory: The highly anticipated clash in Ann Arbor saw Ohio State secure a crucial win. “November 29th, 2025. That was the date the Ohio State Buckeyes walked into Ann Arbor, Michigan, and did what they were supposed to do… Jeremiah Smith, Sunonny Styles, Arll Reese, Bo Jackson. Everybody came to play. …SUPER PHYSICAL game they found a way to get it done. Get a win in Ann Arbor.”

Moments Beyond the Field

Beyond the touchdowns and tackles, the show’s crew also cherished moments that underscored the bonds of friendship and the spirit of giving back.

• The Power of Service: McAfee’s experience at Paris Island, witnessing the dedication of Marine recruits, left a profound impact. “My favorite moment of the season was getting to go and experience Paris Island and really get a better appreciation for those who are willing to selflessly sign the dotted line and protect all of our liberties.” The solemnity of the Marine Corps Band playing the Marines’ Hymn and the historical significance of the Iwo Jima flag-raising served as powerful reminders of sacrifice and freedom. “It is a reminder that freedom isn’t easy, that it isn’t free, and it is gifted to us by those who are willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice.”
• The SeatGeek Relay: A unique and memorable event involved a relay race across the Thunderdome. “Pat generously gave away six tickets to the national championship. And one of those giveaways was the #PMS seatgeeek relay where Bill talk and Debbone ran across the Thunderdome out into that field AND BACK.” The chaotic yet impressive effort was a highlight: “Come on, Bruce. Run back. Hey, that was really impressive. That was awesome.”

As the crew signs off, the sentiment is clear: the 2025-2026 season was a resounding success, filled with unforgettable moments both on and off the field. The camaraderie, the thrilling contests, and the impactful experiences have set a high bar for the seasons to come. “It was a hell of a season. Cannot wait for the next one. 2026 to 2027 NFL NCAA college football football season. Got to love it,” they concluded, already anticipating the next chapter.

Source: The Pat McAfee Show Cast's Favorite Moments From The 2025/2026 Football Season (YouTube)