What an amzing weekend it was in Iowa City, despite the game on the gridiron not going how we all hoped.
Iowa welcomed Ohio State to Kinnick Stadium in week five, for a star-studded weekend filled with surprises. ESPN had a heavy presence on campus with "The Pat McAfee Show" and "College GameDay" in Iowa City. CGD had its most-watched episode of the season to date and was the most-watched October episode EVER. It was truly a special weekend in Iowa City, but some of the biggest moments happened far away from the field.
Pat McAfee is increasing his donation to the Stead Family Children's Hospital
Before the game between the Hawkeyes and Buckeyes, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day made a classy move by writing a letter of support to all the children at the hospital. In the letter, he told the kids they have the program's support, and everyone was excited to wave to them during last Saturday's game. Pat McAfee also had a shining moment when he pledged $150,000 to the hospital after a spectacular Dallas Clark throw, but a few days later, McAfee upped the ante.
We will donate one million dollars to the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 5, 2026
We would like to thank that hospital for everything that they do #PMSLive https://t.co/HpOXHRrdW8 pic.twitter.com/NwLJssxynT
During a live show on October 5, McAfee announced on "The Pat McAfee Show" that he would be donating $1 million to the Stead Family Children's Hospital after his initial donation didn't sit well with him. He said he appreciates all the work the hospital does, and he revealed that they might work together in the future. This extremely generous donation hasn't gone unnoticed. Kirk Ferentz began his weekly press conference by thanking McAfee, saying he is "definitely" a Pat McAfee fan. It is an extremely thoughtful donation and helps reiterate how important the hospital's work is.
Everyone was swept up in the weekend's emotion and how special Iowa City and the Stead Family Children's Hospital are, especially after experiencing the wave firsthand. "College GameDay" returned to Iowa City for the first time in 20 years, and it likely won't be the last time after such a successful weekend. McAfee didn't have to increase his donation, but pledging $1 million is a classy move. After his donation, it wouldn't be a surprise if he and his show gained a massive number of followers and viewers from the Hawkeye State, and he is likely welcome back whenever he wants.
After a rough weekend on the field, McAfee's generous donation proves it isn't always about football, with much bigger fights happening far beyond Kinnick Stadium.
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