
Lee Corso Bids Farewell: A 38-Year Legacy on ‘College GameDay’ Ends This Fall
2025-04-17
Author: Yan
The End of an Era for Lee Corso
Lee Corso, the beloved face of ESPN's 'College GameDay', is hanging up his hat—quite literally—after the first week of the 2025 college football season. At 89 years old, Corso will make his final iconic headgear pick on August 30, marking the end of an extraordinary chapter in sports broadcasting.
A Legacy Built on Friendship and Memorable Moments
In a heartfelt statement, Corso expressed gratitude for his nearly four-decade run with ESPN, sharing, "My family and I will be forever indebted for the opportunity to be part of ESPN and 'College GameDay.' I've created countless friendships and cherished memories through this incredible journey." He has been a staple of 'College GameDay' since its inception in 1987, evolving into its longest-serving member and the last original personality remaining on air.
Iconic Headgear Picks: The Heartbeat of College Football
Few traditions in college football are as cherished as Corso's annual headgear selections. With a mascot head donned in whimsical fashion, Corso has delighted fans while predicting the favorite in various matchups. In an interview from 2018, he humorously remarked, "Do you know anybody else who makes a living putting something else on his head? That’s been an unbelievable thing for me." It's this unique flair that has cemented his status in sports culture.
Pioneering Traditions on the Road
Originally a studio show, 'College GameDay' took to the road in 1993, and Corso was right there, showcasing his vibrant personality. One of his most unforgettable moments came on October 5, 1996, during a live broadcast from Ohio State University. Rather than merely predicting a victory for the Buckeyes, Corso donned a Brutus Buckeye mascot head, sending the crowd into a frenzy and crafting a new college football tradition.
The Passion for Football and Resilience
Despite facing health challenges over the years, including a stroke in 2009 that briefly affected his speech, Corso's passion for football never wavered. His catchphrase, "Not so fast, my friend," became a fan-favorite moment whenever he disagreed with an analyst's pick. Corso not only managed to maintain his role but continued to develop chemistry with co-hosts Kirk Herbstreit and Rece Davis.
A Celebration of Achievements and Influence
With over 400 game predictions under his belt, Corso's impact has been significant. Fans even cataloged his headgear choices, tracking his historical accuracy at an impressive 66.6%. His rich history in football includes coaching tenures at institutions like Louisville and Indiana, where he led teams to historic bowl victories. Corso's career began long before his 'GameDay' fame, as he was a standout player at Florida State University.
Goodbye, but Not Forgotten
As Corso prepares to take a step back, the expansion of the 'College GameDay' set—with new faces like Pat McAfee and Nick Saban—raises questions about the future. However, ESPN has assured fans that Corso will retire on his own terms, giving everyone a chance to say goodbye while celebrating his magnificent legacy. Fans are counting down to one last chance to witness Corso's iconic headgear pick, a fitting homage to a man who has made Saturdays synonymous with college football.