Student Wins Contest for Iowa Childrens Hospital
An Iowa college freshman secured a $150,000 prize for her tuition and the local children's hospital.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Football
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Iowa freshman Finnley Banfig won a total of $150,000 in a field goal contest during ESPN College GameDay in Iowa City. While the student missed her attempts, former pro Dallas Clark successfully threw the ball through the goalposts to secure the prize.
Why it matters
The prize money is split between Banfig, who plans to use the funds for medical school tuition, and the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital. Additionally, Pat McAfee pledged a separate $1 million donation to the hospital following the event.
The contest involved a 33-yard field goal attempt, with the $150,000 prize split between the student and the hospital. Separately, the hospital received a $1 million donation from Pat McAfee.
The players
Finnley Banfig
She is an Iowa college freshman who participated in the field goal contest.
Dallas Clark
He is a former professional football player who successfully completed the kick for the contest prize.
Pat McAfee
He is a media personality and former professional athlete who pledged a donation to the children's hospital.
University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital
It is a medical facility that serves as the recipient of the contest prize money and the additional donation.
The details
After Finnley Banfig missed her field goal kicks, Dallas Clark stepped in to successfully land the ball through the goalposts. Banfig has already utilized a portion of her personal funds to purchase an $850 LEGO Millennium Falcon.
Timeline
October 3, 2026: The ESPN College GameDay contest took place in Iowa City.
October 5, 2026: Pat McAfee announced a $1 million donation to the hospital.
Season Trajectory
This event follows the established pattern set by the ESPN College GameDay field goal contest prize structure regarding charitable splits. The participation of former stars like Dallas Clark continues the trend of high-profile guest appearances at regional collegiate sports events.
The $150,000 prize distribution directly impacts the financial aid resources available to the student for future medical school tuition. The additional $1 million donation significantly increases the available funding for the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital.
The takeaway
This event highlights how collegiate sports promotions can provide significant financial support for both students and local medical institutions. Viewers interested in future contests should note that professional athlete intervention often plays a pivotal role in the final outcome of these challenges.
Further reading
For more on the latest developments in collegiate competition, see Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 104.5 KDAT.
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