Lee Corso, the beloved and iconic college football analyst, is set to conclude his remarkable broadcasting career with his final appearance on ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’ on August 30, 2025. This farewell will be preceded by a special tribute at the ESPYS, recognizing his profound impact on college football and sports broadcasting.
Corso, who will turn 90 in August 2025, announced his retirement from broadcasting on April 17, 2025. His final ‘GameDay’ show will originate from Columbus, Ohio, ahead of the highly anticipated Week 1 matchup between the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns. This location holds particular significance, as it was in Columbus on October 5, 1996, that Corso first donned a mascot headgear – the Ohio State ‘Brutus Buckeye’ – to make his game prediction, a tradition that has since become a staple of the show. He has worn the Brutus Buckeye head 45 times throughout his career (Sports Illustrated).
Before his final broadcast, Corso will be honored at the ESPYS on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. ESPN’s president of content, Burke Magnus, highlighted the event as a unique opportunity to celebrate Corso’s contributions to the company, sports, and, most importantly, the fans. The tribute will feature reflections from fellow ‘GameDay’ co-hosts Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, and Pat McAfee, followed by a video montage and a moment for Corso to address the audience at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles (ABC News).
Corso has been an integral part of ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’ since its inception in 1987, becoming the lone remaining member of the original cast. Known for his quick wit, his catchphrase “Not so fast, my friend!” often directed at Kirk Herbstreit, and his endearing habit of calling everyone “sweetheart,” Corso brought a unique blend of humor and insight to college football analysis. His iconic headgear prediction segment, which began in 1996, has seen him don 69 different school mascots or helmets. As of July 16, 2025, his headgear picks have a remarkable record of 286 wins and 144 losses in 430 selections (ABC News, Wikipedia).
Beyond his broadcasting fame, Corso boasts a rich history in college football. Born on August 7, 1935, in Cicero, Illinois, he was a talented athlete, playing quarterback and cornerback at Florida State University (FSU). Nicknamed “Sunshine Scooter” for his speed, he set an FSU record for career interceptions (14) that stood for over two decades. After graduating with degrees in physical education and administration, Corso transitioned to coaching. He served as head coach at the University of Louisville (1969-1972), Indiana University Bloomington (1973-1982), and Northern Illinois University (1984), compiling a collegiate coaching record of 73–85–6. He also coached the Orlando Renegades in the USFL in 1985 (Wikipedia, Sports-Reference.com).
Corso’s enduring presence on ‘College GameDay’ is even more remarkable given his recovery from a stroke in May 2009, which left him partially paralyzed and temporarily unable to speak. Despite the challenges, he returned to his duties for the 2009 season, demonstrating incredible resilience and dedication. While his on-the-road appearances have decreased in recent seasons, his spirit and contributions remained undiminished. His son, Dan Corso, a Florida State alumnus, expressed a touch of disappointment that his father’s final ‘GameDay’ wouldn’t be at his alma mater, but acknowledged the significance of the Ohio State connection (Sports Illustrated).
Lee Corso’s career, spanning decades as a player, coach, and broadcaster, has left an indelible mark on college football. His humor, passion, and iconic predictions have made him a beloved figure, and his retirement marks the end of an era for many fans.
