Published: April 17, 2025
By: Adam
After nearly four decades of becoming synonymous with Saturday mornings in the fall, Lee Corso will retire from College GameDay following Week 1 of the 2025 college football season, ESPN announced Thursday.
The 88-year-old broadcasting legend has been a beloved figure on the network’s flagship college football pregame show for 38 seasons, known as much for his colorful commentary as for his signature headgear picks — a tradition that became a hallmark of GameDay culture.
In a heartfelt statement released by ESPN, Corso reflected on his storied career:
“My family and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to be part of ESPN and College GameDay for nearly 40 years. I have a treasure chest full of friends, great memories, and crazy experiences that I’ll carry with me into retirement.”
A Legacy Beyond the Mascot Head
Corso joined College GameDay in 1987, bringing his coaching insight, charisma, and a flair for theatrics to the desk. But it was in 1996 when Corso donned his first mascot head — Brutus Buckeye, for an Ohio State prediction — that he cemented his place in college football folklore.
That single act evolved into a fan-favorite tradition, with Corso making his final pick each week by dramatically revealing which team he believed would win — usually while wearing the school’s mascot head. His unpredictability, good humor, and genuine love for the game made him a beloved figure across generations of fans.
Tributes From Colleagues and the Network
“ESPN has been incredibly generous to me, especially in recent years,” Corso said. “They welcomed and supported me, as did my colleagues from the early days of College GameDay. A special thank-you to Kirk Herbstreit for his friendship and encouragement. And let’s not forget the fans… how lucky I’ve been to share this journey with them.”
Herbstreit, who has worked alongside Corso for over two decades, was emotional when reacting to the news:
“Lee isn’t just a colleague. He’s family. He helped build College GameDay into what it is. It won’t be the same without him.”
ESPN also paid tribute to Corso in its announcement, praising his enduring passion for the game and his role in shaping one of the network’s most iconic programs.
The End of an Era
While Corso has reduced his on-site appearances in recent years due to health concerns, his presence remained integral. Viewers continued to anticipate his trademark “Not so fast, my friend!” interruptions and final headgear moments — a blend of entertainment and insight that made him unlike anyone else on television.
His final show, scheduled for Week 1 of the 2025 college football season, is expected to feature tributes, highlights from his long career, and appearances from former colleagues and players.
Corso’s retirement marks the end of an era not just for ESPN, but for college football broadcasting as a whole.