Saturday marked a historic milestone as Lee Corso bid farewell to ESPN’s College GameDay, making his last appearance unforgettable.

The legendary sports analyst’s final show captivated an astonishing average of 3.5 million viewers across ESPN and ESPNU, according to an announcement on Sunday. This remarkable viewership makes it the highest-rated episode in the entire history of College GameDay.

Viewership peaked at a staggering 5.1 million during the show’s final moments, as per Nielsen’s Fast Nationals, showcasing the immense popularity of the program and Corso’s legacy.

A Fitting Sendoff for a Sports Icon

The event coincided with the first full Saturday of college football action this season, setting the perfect backdrop for Corso's emotional sendoff. A former college coach and Florida State standout, Corso became an iconic figure in sports broadcasting since joining College GameDay at its inception in 1987. He made headlines in 1996 when he famously donned the headgear for the first time, selecting Ohio State’s mascot, Brutus—an unforgettable moment that solidified his affection for his 'first love.'

"This is one of the easiest picks I’ve ever made," Corso declared, leaning into the excitement. "Texas is loaded… They have a Manning at quarterback. Poor Ohio State. They ain’t got a chance. Give me my first love!" His enduring connection with college football fans was palpable as he made his final selection.

Picking Winners Until the End!

In a beautiful culmination of his career, Corso donned the mascot head one last time, confidently predicting Ohio State would triumph over Texas in a thrilling Top-5 matchup. His prediction was spot on, as the Buckeyes clinched victory with a narrow 14-7 win at The Horseshoe.

But Corso wasn’t done there; he also made headlines by being the only analyst to pick Florida State to upset Alabama at Doak Campbell Stadium. The Seminoles delivered a stunning performance, dominating the Crimson Tide with a final score of 31-17, shocking the No. 8-ranked team.

Remarkably, every team that Corso played for or coached emerged victorious on this memorable Saturday, crowning his broadcasting career with an impressive record of 287 wins and 144 losses. Lee Corso leaves behind an indelible mark on college football, and his vibrant spirit will surely be missed!