The moment quickly became the morning’s focal point, with Pat McAfee praising the kick on X: “Carter for three million dollars. What a kick.”
The prize had grown beyond its standard $1 million value for Week 7. Normally, the award is split evenly between McAfee and Home Depot, each contributing $500,000. However, Week 7 featured additional sponsorships that boosted the total to $3 million, reportedly a record for the contest.
McAfee noted that the first kick had good pop but spiraled and nearly hit a sideline barrier. He then offered Carter one more chance at the same prize, with a $1 million pledge attached to him personally and matching commitments from Smith and Sweeney. The moment carried playful religious banter about second chances and a humorous aside about what the Book of Mormon says.
The hype continued as McAfee described the scene: the ball launched high, Morale Cosmo (a mascot) was involved, and Carter would need to convert at altitude to secure the win.
ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit offered practical advice during the broadcast, telling Carter to slow his tempo, avoid rushing, and aim for the left upright. Carter acknowledged his nerves.
Carter’s second kick sliced through the uprights in a knuckleball-style flight, and the crowd erupted. BYU fans surged toward the field in celebration.
McAfee praised Carter, noting the stunned look on his face and the magnitude of the payout for the Spider-Man-costumed student who had just learned the details of the contest.
The event also drew local alumni appearances, though no additional contributions were requested from them during the moment.
The difference between the two attempts came down to a minor adjustment. The first kick drifted wide right, while the second was deliberate and effective.
Of the $3 million total, half is designated for charitable giving, with the remainder for Carter. This marks the largest single payout in the contest’s history. Earlier in the season, a Texas freshman won $1.2 million when GameDay was in Austin for a major matchup.
For Carter, a routine Saturday trip to watch BYU turned into an unforgettable moment that fans will talk about for years.
