Michael Phelps made a surprising appearance on College GameDay in Ann Arbor this past Saturday, leaving fans who hadn’t seen the Olympic legend in a while momentarily stunned. The transformation is striking—Phelps, once known for his clean-cut look, now sports long hair and a full beard. This dramatic shift from his iconic swimming days has sparked a flurry of comparisons and buzz among fans and pundits alike.

In recent months, Phelps has been making headlines for his visit to College GameDay, which was a highly anticipated event. The sight of him on set was a welcome change for many. Phelps is celebrated as the most decorated Olympian of all time. His dominance in the butterfly, freestyle, and individual medley has cemented his status as one of the greatest athletes ever and significantly boosted the popularity of competitive swimming.

On College GameDay, Phelps was not just a familiar face but a standout presence. He was relaxed and effortlessly charming, clearly thriving in his media roles. His ease and growing prowess in the spotlight highlight how influential he is not just in sports but in media as well. While broadcasting, he even chose a team to support. Michael Phelps showed his support for the Wolverines by donning maize and blue. This enthusiasm is deeply rooted in Phelps’s connection with his former coach, Bob Bowman, who has been a significant figure in his career.

Just as Phelps supported ASU when Bowman was the head coach there, his loyalty followed Bowman to Michigan. Phelps even showcased his commitment to Michigan by revealing a Michigan “M” tattoo on his hip during the broadcast. Reflecting on his time at Michigan, Phelps shared, “It was a dream come true to be able to spend four years here. My coach was the head coach here. I swam here and it was the best experience. Honestly, this is what it’s about. There’s nothing better than this feel here on game day. I got hair on my arms standing straight up. I am pumped and ready to go.”

Although he attended classes at Michigan and served as a voluntary assistant coach due to NCAA rules preventing him from joining the swim team, Phelps’s time there was pivotal, marking a key chapter in his career. Hearing him talk about his experiences on the broadcast was a treat, and his insights definitely impressed fans from not just swimming but also track and field.

Fans reveal why Michael Phelps is the unmatched GOAT of swimming!

One fan remarked, “If McAfee can make punters mainstream, anything is possible. It just takes the right mix.” Since retiring from football in February 2017, Pat McAfee has transitioned into a prominent football analyst. He started as a guest host for Fox Sports’ college and NFL broadcasts in late 2018 and joined ESPN’s Night College Football team in July 2019. Additionally, he frequently appears on Get Up! and currently licenses The Pat McAfee Show to ESPN, which is simulcast on ESPN+ and YouTube.

One fan quipped, “You can’t even joke about his man bun. That’s how you know Michael Phelps is the GOAT of all GOATs.” They were highlighting Phelps’s iconic status, even down to his hairstyle. Another fan added, “He was always the best reason to watch swimming,” reflecting the excitement Phelps brought to the sport.

With a total of 28 Olympic medals—23 gold—Phelps’s achievements are legendary. Phelps has also been honored with the World Swimmer of the Year Award eight times and the American Swimmer of the Year Award eleven times.

One more fan added, “He was one of the very best parts of NBC’s Olympics coverage. Absolutely a natural.” Michael Phelps indeed made a significant impact during NBCUniversal’s coverage of the XXXIII Olympiad in Paris this summer. Phelps provided expert commentary and analysis for both primetime and daytime shows on NBC and Peacock. He was frequently seen in the commentary booth at the Aquatics Centre in Paris alongside Dan Hick and Rowdy Gaines.

One last fan added, “Goat of TUE.” Having the G.O.A.T. of swimming excel in the media arena is a game-changer for the sport, bringing much-needed attention and enthusiasm.