University Of Texas Student Makes Incredible Kick To Win $1.2 Million On “College GameDay”
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One college football fan had an unforgettable Saturday after winning big on ESPN’s College GameDay!
Each week during the pregame show, former NFL kicker Pat McAfee selects one student to participate in his “Kicking Is Easy” field goal contest. This week, he chose Connor Kacena-Merrell, a student from Zionsville, Indiana.
Connor had some extra motivation as actor and longtime Texas superfan Matthew McConaughey was on hand to help him with the challenge.
The Texas freshman from the Indianapolis area also took a moment to compliment McAfee on his philanthropic efforts. He recalled watching McAfee and new Pro Football Hall of Famer Adam Vinatieri play at Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts.
Kacena-Merrell also had plans for his winnings before even taking part in the competition. The freshman said he would donate half of the money he won to Building Tomorrow, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit that helps children in East Africa gain access to quality education.
On his first attempt, his kick sailed just a little wide to the right. That could have been the end of his shot at the prize, but McConaughey and ESPN College GameDay analyst Kirk Herbstreit each pledged an additional $100,000 to the pot, giving the Texas student another chance.
The UT student stepped up and drilled his second kick straight through the uprights, winning a staggering $1.2 million. Kacena-Merrell did not play football in high school. He was a volleyball player at Park Tudor High School and also played youth soccer.
Watch his impressive winning moment below.
Connor has an ABSOLUTE leg, might be the best kick we’ve had! 💪 $600K to him and $600K to charity 💰 @PatMcAfeeShow | @KirkHerbstreit | @McConaughey https://t.co/SeSEiAUmSV
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) September 12, 2026
