A Livermore-raised college student stunned the sports world on Saturday when he won a $100,000 field goal challenge at the University of California, Berkeley, as part of ESPN’s “College GameDay” celebration.

Many fans of the Cal-Miami football game recognized Daniel Villaseñor. They rushed towards him to praise him and take selfies.

The UC Berkeley Sophomore Civil Engineering major arrived on campus after 11 p.m. Friday night for a chance to be in the “pit” at the ESPN College GameDay on campus Saturday morning. This was the first time the show was broadcast from the Cal campus.

“So I thought I would bring my most comfortable shoes, my Vans,” said Villaseñor, who wore laceless plaid Vans.

Villaseñor entered a raffle to kick a field goal and win $75,000 in prize money. To his shock, he was chosen.

Villaseñor said he plays soccer but has only played soccer a few times.

He lined up with his Vans for a goal kick, but shot the ball too far to the right.

Then the hosts gave Villaseñor a second chance, this time increasing the prize money to $100,000. Host Pat McAffee also offered to increase the total amount he would donate to Hurricane Helene relief efforts to $600,000 if Villaseñor could score the field goal.

On his second attempt at kicking, Villaseñor remembers: “I took my steps again, was super focused and focused and did it.”

Villaseñor was captured on television joyfully celebrating the successful kick.

“I was incredibly excited; I jumped up and down screaming; “Nothing like that has ever happened to me before,” he said.

Still wearing his Vans, Villaseñor joined his family who had traveled from Livermore to watch the big game against Miami. Villaseñor grew up in Livermore and is a graduate of Livermore High School.

He said he hasn’t decided what to do with the prize money yet.

“I have no idea, probably a lot of fast food, probably some classes and helping out with my family,” he said.

Villaseñor said he was thrilled to relive this memory while supporting the team he has cheered for since he was a child.