Lee Corso Retires From ESPN College GameDay After Nearly Four Decades

Saturday, August 30, 2025, marked the close of a remarkable chapter in American sports broadcasting as Lee Corso, the long-standing college football analyst, officially retired from ESPN’s College GameDay. At 90 years old, Corso took his final seat on the iconic Saturday morning show that he helped launch in 1987, closing out a 38-year run that made him one of the most beloved and recognizable figures in sports media.

Corso’s final appearance unfolded on the campus of Ohio State University in Columbus, ahead of a highly anticipated matchup between No. 3 Ohio State and No. 1 Texas. Clad in a tuxedo for the occasion, he delivered his last headgear pick—choosing the Buckeyes—bringing his tradition full circle. It was Ohio State that Corso had first selected during his very first headgear pick back in 1996, also in Columbus, beginning a trademark ritual that would come to define his on-air persona.

The sendoff was filled with heartfelt moments. Corso’s longtime co-hosts, including Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, and Pat McAfee, paid tribute by donning miniature versions of his famed mascot headpieces. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day presented him with a custom helmet bearing symbols commemorating each time Corso had picked Ohio State to win over the years. The emotion in the crowd was palpable, with thousands of fans holding signs, many of which read “Thank You, Coach” or “Not So Fast, My Friend!”—the catchphrase Corso made famous over the decades.

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Throughout the day, ESPN aired a special montage chronicling Corso’s contributions to the program, showcasing decades of his entertaining predictions, playful banter, and unmistakable energy. In the video, Corso’s evolution from a football coach to a pop-culture icon unfolded alongside the growth of College GameDay into a Saturday morning staple for millions of fans. Social media was flooded with tributes from across the sports world, with athletes, broadcasters, and fans alike sharing their favorite Corso moments.

Corso’s career in football began long before his broadcasting fame. He served as head coach at Louisville and Indiana and was a respected analyst long before his television persona became a household name. His encyclopedic knowledge of the game combined with his infectious charisma earned him a unique place in sports media. What made Corso stand out wasn’t just his headgear—it was his genuine love of the game, his ability to connect with viewers, and his willingness to be both informative and entertaining in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Over the years, as GameDay evolved into a traveling show drawing massive crowds to college campuses, Corso remained its emotional center. Whether donning the head of Brutus Buckeye, the Oregon Duck, or an Alabama elephant, Corso brought a sense of fun and unpredictability to each broadcast. Even as he battled health setbacks in recent years, including a stroke in 2009, he remained committed to the program, adjusting his role while continuing to make headgear picks and offering commentary. His resilience only deepened the admiration fans had for him.

Colleagues praised not just Corso’s on-air persona, but also his mentorship and professionalism behind the scenes. Kirk Herbstreit, who sat alongside Corso for decades, frequently referred to him as a second father. Rece Davis has credited Corso with teaching him the value of authenticity in broadcasting, emphasizing that what viewers loved most about Corso was that he was never trying to be anyone but himself.

With his retirement, ESPN closes a chapter that helped shape college football culture itself. College GameDay was once a modest studio segment; under Corso’s influence, it became a televised celebration of college football fandom, one where tradition, pageantry, and personality blended in perfect harmony. His retirement leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, though the show is expected to continue evolving, with its current ensemble cast taking on greater responsibilities.

As the final credits rolled on the August 30 broadcast, Corso raised his hand one last time and said goodbye to an audience that had grown up with him. The applause, chants, and even a few tears underscored how deeply he is woven into the fabric of college football. He didn’t just predict winners—he helped millions fall in love with the game.

Lee Corso’s retirement is more than the end of a career; it is the celebration of a legacy. Through his passion, humor, and humanity, he transformed a sports show into a beloved institution, one headgear at a time.