Lee Corso’s All-Time Prediction Record for South Carolina on College Gameday
Lee Corso has been a staple of ESPN’s “College GameDay” for decades, and one of his most iconic traditions is donning the mascot head of the team he believes will win the featured matchup of the week. Over the years, fans have come to anticipate Corso’s picks with a mix of excitement, curiosity, and superstition. For South Carolina Gamecocks fans, Corso’s predictions have often been a barometer of the national perception of their football program. His choices have sparked celebrations, controversy, and, at times, a sense of foreboding. As “College GameDay” has evolved into a cultural phenomenon that extends far beyond pregame analysis, Corso’s relationship with the Gamecocks tells a unique story about both the team and the man behind the headgear.
Lee Corso’s first opportunity to make a Gamecocks prediction came as the show began expanding its on-campus coverage in the late 1990s and early 2000s. South Carolina, while not always a national powerhouse, has had its moments in the spotlight, particularly during the Lou Holtz and Steve Spurrier eras. When Corso made his first prediction involving South Carolina, it was more than just a forecast—it was a national commentator lending attention to a program hungry for respect. Each time Corso selected South Carolina, it was a sign that the program had captured national attention, even if just for a week. Conversely, when he picked against them, it often reflected the uphill battles the Gamecocks frequently faced against SEC juggernauts.
Over the years, Lee Corso’s all-time prediction record for South Carolina has mirrored the team’s own rollercoaster trajectory. While exact statistics are a bit scattered, due to the sporadic nature of South Carolina’s appearances on “College GameDay,” a close look reveals a compelling narrative. Corso has not picked South Carolina as often as he has picked against them. In the rare times when South Carolina was featured on “College GameDay,” it was usually due to a marquee SEC matchup, often against top-10 teams like Florida, Georgia, Alabama, or Clemson. These were games where South Carolina was usually the underdog, and Corso’s picks reflected that. He has picked against South Carolina more times than not, and historically, when he has donned the Gamecock headgear, the results have been mixed.
There is a particular mystique when Lee Corso picks a team, and his accuracy, while celebrated, has always leaned more toward entertainment than statistical perfection. When it comes to South Carolina, his overall prediction record is not significantly better or worse than his overall average, which hovers around 60% over the course of his “College GameDay” career. However, in games involving the Gamecocks, Corso’s picks have become moments that fans remember. For example, in 2010, when South Carolina played Alabama in a top-ranked SEC showdown, Corso picked against the Gamecocks. That day, Stephen Garcia and Alshon Jeffery led South Carolina to a stunning upset over the top-ranked Crimson Tide. Corso’s pick against South Carolina became part of the legend of that game. It was not just a win for the Gamecocks; it was a national moment where they defied expectations, and Corso’s prediction played a role in framing the narrative.
Another memorable moment came in 2012 when South Carolina faced Georgia in a highly anticipated SEC East clash. This time, Corso chose the Gamecocks, and they delivered a dominant performance, dismantling the Bulldogs in front of a raucous crowd in Columbia. That pick, and the successful result, became a symbol of South Carolina’s peak under Spurrier. Corso putting on the Gamecock head and being right about it felt like a national validation. For fans, it was more than just analysis—it was a rite of passage into the realm of true contenders. But for every correct prediction, there have been those that did not pan out. Corso has chosen South Carolina in several games where they came up short, leading some fans to joke about the “Corso Curse.” In matchups against Clemson in particular, Corso has had mixed success. When South Carolina was in the midst of their five-game win streak over Clemson from 2009 to 2013, Corso often picked the Tigers, only to see the Gamecocks emerge victorious. But in recent years, as Clemson rose to national dominance, Corso’s picks have usually favored the Tigers, and the results have largely aligned with those predictions.
What makes Lee Corso’s predictions so compelling is not just whether he’s right or wrong, but how he presents them. The build-up, the theatrical pause, the mascot head—each pick is a performance. And when that performance involves South Carolina, it becomes personal for Gamecock Nation. Whether he’s picking them to win or lose, Corso’s choice becomes part of the lore. It’s not uncommon for South Carolina fans to recall the exact moment Corso made a pick, the atmosphere of the show, and the crowd’s reaction. His prediction becomes a part of the game’s story before kickoff even happens.
Corso’s all-time prediction record for South Carolina is a patchwork of big games, national spotlights, and shifting narratives. He has likely picked South Carolina fewer than ten times over the course of his career, simply because they have not been featured on “College GameDay” as often as blue blood programs. When he has picked them, it has often come during seasons of promise. And in those moments, his predictions have served as cultural bookmarks in the timeline of South Carolina football. The 2001 season under Lou Holtz, the 2010-2013 stretch under Spurrier, and the recent resurgence under Shane Beamer have all featured moments when “College GameDay” stopped in Columbia or featured the Gamecocks in a key matchup. Corso’s predictions in these games are remembered not just for their accuracy but for their symbolism.
There is also a deeper connection between Lee Corso and the South, which makes his interactions with SEC teams particularly resonant. His folksy demeanor, passion for college football tradition, and flair for dramatic picks align perfectly with the pageantry of the SEC. When Corso comes to Columbia and hears the roar of “Sandstorm,” sees the waving towels, and feels the intensity of Williams-Brice Stadium, it’s a perfect marriage of spectacle and sport. His picks, regardless of the outcome, enhance the moment. And for South Carolina, being part of that moment is often as meaningful as the result itself.
It’s worth noting that while Corso’s on-air time has been scaled back in recent years due to health concerns and advancing age, his role on “College GameDay” remains iconic. Even when he appears remotely or for shortened segments, fans eagerly await his pick. The Gamecocks’ appearances on the show may not be as frequent as some other programs, but when they happen, the anticipation of Corso’s pick is a highlight. In 2022, when South Carolina made a late-season push and upset both Tennessee and Clemson, fans wondered how Corso would have picked had GameDay been on-site. Even in his absence, his influence loomed over the narrative.
Corso’s legacy with South Carolina is ultimately one of respect. While he may not have picked the Gamecocks often, he has never dismissed them. His predictions reflect the same balance of humor, analysis, and instinct that have made him a beloved figure across college football. For South Carolina fans, each Corso prediction is a national acknowledgment that their team matters, that their program is relevant, and that the eyes of the country are watching. Whether he picks for them or against them, Corso’s involvement is a testament to the Gamecocks’ place in the fabric of college football.
In summary, Lee Corso’s all-time prediction record for South Carolina may not be overwhelmingly in the Gamecocks’ favor, but it tells a story of moments, meaning, and momentum. It tells the story of a program that has had to fight for national respect and has found validation in the spotlight of “College GameDay.” It tells the story of a fan base that cherishes every appearance on the show, every moment of recognition, and every pick—right or wrong—that Lee Corso makes in their name. His legacy, woven through years of predictions, is now part of South Carolina’s football identity. For the Gamecocks and their fans, Corso’s picks are not just about who wins or loses. They are about being seen, being heard, and being part of something bigger than the scoreboard. Whether clad in garnet or choosing the opposing colors, Lee Corso’s place in South Carolina’s college football story is secure.
