The end of an era; Lee Corso Announces Retirement after 38 Seasons
In a poignant moment that marks the conclusion of an era in college football broadcasting, Lee Corso has announced his retirement from ESPN’s “College GameDay” after an illustrious 38-season tenure. His final appearance is scheduled for August 30, 2025, coinciding with the opening week of the college football season.​
A Storied Career in Coaching and Broadcasting
Before becoming a household name on television, Corso built a solid foundation in football coaching. His coaching career spanned over two decades, including head coaching roles at Louisville, Indiana, and Northern Illinois. He also led the USFL’s Orlando Renegades in 1985. Despite a challenging coaching record, his passion for the game remained evident.​
Transitioning to broadcasting, Corso joined ESPN in 1987 as a contributor to “College GameDay.” By 1989, he became a full-time analyst. His engaging personality and in-depth knowledge of college football quickly made him a fan favorite. Corso’s unique tradition of donning mascot headgear to make game predictions began in 1996 and became a signature moment of the show. As of December 2024, he had made 430 headgear picks with a record of 286-144, showcasing his deep connection to the sport and its fans. ​PopCulture.com+7AP News+7Reuters+7Fox59 NewsWikipedia+5A Sea Of Blue+5ESPN Press Room U.S.+5
Overcoming Health Challenges
In 2009, Corso suffered a stroke that led to partial paralysis. Despite this setback, he returned to “College GameDay” and continued to contribute to the show, albeit with reduced travel commitments. His resilience and dedication to the program were evident as he adapted to new circumstances while maintaining his distinctive presence. ​Reuters+2AP News+2Wikipedia+2
A Legacy of Impact and Influence
Corso’s influence extended beyond his headgear picks. He played a pivotal role in popularizing college football, bringing attention to lesser-known programs and fostering a deeper connection between fans and the sport. His catchphrase, “Not so fast, my friend,” became emblematic of his engaging style. Colleagues like Kirk Herbstreit have lauded Corso as a mentor and a central figure in the show’s success. ​SI+5Reuters+5Wikipedia+5A Sea Of Blue+3AP News+3Reuters+3
Tributes from Colleagues and Fans
The announcement of Corso’s retirement has elicited heartfelt tributes from colleagues and fans alike. Kirk Herbstreit described Corso as a mentor and likened him to a second father. Rece Davis, the show’s host, emphasized that Corso epitomizes what “College GameDay” represents, highlighting his enthusiasm and deep connection with fans. Fans have expressed their appreciation for Corso’s contributions, with many sharing personal stories of how his insights and personality enriched their college football experience. ​talkSPORTReutersESPN Press Room U.S.+1Fox59 News+1
Looking Ahead
As Corso prepares for his final appearance on “College GameDay,” ESPN plans special programming to honor his legacy. The network aims to celebrate his nearly four-decade-long contribution to the sport and broadcasting. While Corso’s retirement signifies the end of an era, his impact on college football and its fans will undoubtedly endure.​AP News+1EssentiallySports+1
In the words of Rece Davis, “Nobody epitomizes what ‘College GameDay’ is more than Lee Corso.” As fans, we bid farewell to a legend whose presence on Saturday mornings became a cherished tradition in college football.​
