After Week 1, veteran ESPN ‘College GameDay’ analyst Lee Corso will retire.

Lee Corso, the venerable face of ESPN’s College GameDay, will bring down the curtain on a storied broadcasting career when he makes his final appearance on August 30, 2025—Week 1 of the college football season—culminating nearly four decades of pregame analysis and entertainment . Since joining the network in 1987, Corso endeared himself to generations of fans through his folksy charm, trademark catchphrases, and the headgear segment he introduced in October 1996, amassing a 286‑144 record on those picks . Prior to his iconic television tenure, Corso compiled a 73‑85‑6 record over 28 years as a collegiate and professional coach—in stints at Louisville, Indiana, Northern Illinois, and with the USFL’s Orlando Renegades . Despite health challenges, including a stroke in 2009, he remained a fixture on Saturday mornings, supported by ESPN’s accommodations and the camaraderie of co‑hosts Kirk Herbstreit, Chris Fowler, Rece Davis, and others . As Corso prepares for his farewell, ESPN plans special programming to honor his legacy and celebrate the indelible mark he has left on college football broadcasting .

Early Career and Transition to Broadcasting

Lee Corso began his career on the gridiron long before the bright lights of television. After playing defensive back at Florida State in the 1950s, he embarked on a coaching journey that spanned nearly three decades . He served as head coach at the University of Louisville from 1969 to 1972, at Indiana University from 1973 to 1982—highlighted by a memorable victory in the 1979 Holiday Bowl—and at Northern Illinois University in 1984 . Corso then took the helm of the USFL’s Orlando Renegades in 1985, finishing the season 5‑13 before transitioning to broadcasting the following year .

In 1987, ESPN brought Corso aboard College GameDay—initially as a contributor in his first two seasons and then as a full‑time analyst beginning in 1989—marking the start of one of the longest tenures in sports television history . His affable persona and coaching insights quickly resonated with viewers, establishing him as a cornerstone of the program .

Defining the College GameDay Era

The Headgear Tradition

Perhaps nothing embodies Corso’s GameDay legacy more than the headgear segment he introduced on October 5, 1996, when he donned Ohio State’s Brutus Buckeye mascot head to predict an upset over Penn State . Over the ensuing 430 selections, Corso’s picks have gone 286‑144, representing a .665 win percentage that added a playful yet suspenseful climax to each broadcast .

According to ESPN’s press materials, Corso has tried on the mascots of 69 different teams, with Ohio State (45 times), Alabama (38), LSU (25), Florida (22), and Oregon (21) among his most frequent picks . His milestone selections include the 100th pick—Florida State on September 17, 2005—and the 400th pick—Colorado on September 16, 2023—moments that became viral sensations in the college football world .

Catchphrases and On‑Air Persona

Corso’s folksy quips, notably “Not so fast, my friend!”, delivered with his signature Dixon Ticonderoga No. 2 pencil in hand, became synonymous with his questioning of co‑host Kirk Herbstreit’s predictions . Beyond the humor, Corso’s authenticity and warmth fostered a genuine connection with audiences, turning College GameDay into a cultural institution each Saturday morning .

Enduring Through Adversity

In 2009, Corso suffered a stroke that temporarily impaired his speech and mobility, leading ESPN to adjust his travel schedule while ensuring he remained an integral part of the show . With the unwavering support of the network and his colleagues, Corso returned to the set later that season, demonstrating resilience that inspired fans and fellow broadcasters alike .

Legacy and Impact

Mentorship and Influence

Kirk Herbstreit, who joined GameDay in 1996, described Corso as “like a second father,” praising his guidance and friendship over nearly three decades of collaboration . Chris Fowler, the show’s longtime host, lauded Corso as a “born entertainer and singular television talent” whose contributions were “an indelible force in the growth of college football’s popularity” .

Rece Davis, who succeeded Fowler as host, highlighted Corso’s enduring role as both coach and confidant, recalling the emotional outpouring when GameDay visited Indiana in 2024—an event that led the city to proclaim “Coach Lee Corso Day” in his honor . ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro credited Corso with forging “a special connection to generations of fans” and announced plans for a celebratory tribute during Corso’s final appearance .

Cultural Touchstones and Honors

Throughout his career, Corso created countless memorable moments: dancing with Notre Dame’s leprechaun, riding a motorcycle with the Oregon Duck, mounting a 17‑foot fake elephant, sparring with pop star Katy Perry, and wrestling with actors Bill Murray and Will Ferrell . His theatrical flair, combined with genuine sports insight, helped College GameDay earn nine Sports Emmy Awards in the Most Outstanding Studio Show – Weekly category .

Corso’s impact extended beyond television. He was inducted into multiple halls of fame, including those of Florida State, Louisville, Indiana, and the states of Florida and Kentucky. In 2006, he received FSU’s highest alumni honor—the Gold Medal—and in 2010 was honored by the National College Football Awards Association for his lifetime achievements .

The Retirement Announcement

On April 17, 2025, ESPN officially announced that Lee Corso will retire after the Week 1 show on August 30—coinciding with his 90th birthday month—concluding exactly 38 seasons with the program . Corso reflected on his career in a statement, expressing gratitude for “the treasure of many friends, fond memories and some unusual experiences” he has collected over the years .

ESPN’s press release confirmed that additional special programming will air in the days leading up to Corso’s final appearance, with the Week 1 show broadcasting from 9 a.m. to noon ET on ESPN and ESPNU . Network executives emphasized Corso’s role as the only original on‑air personality still with GameDay and underscored their commitment to celebrating his extraordinary legacy .

Looking Ahead: The Final Show and Beyond

Lee Corso’s farewell broadcast promises to be both a retrospective and a celebration, blending GameDay’s signature analysis of marquee matchups with tributes to Corso’s viral headgear moments and on‑set antics . Details on the Week 1 destination and the mechanics of his final pick will be unveiled in the coming months, ensuring fans across the nation can participate in this landmark occasion .

Fan and Media Reactions

Across social media and sports media outlets, tributes poured in following the announcement. Talksport hailed Corso as “a beloved icon” whose warmth and charisma “made him one of the sport’s most cherished figures” . Sporting News highlighted the outpouring of support from co‑hosts and former colleagues, noting that “they’ll never be anyone else like him” . Bleacher Report underscored Corso’s role as a Saturday morning institution and the bittersweet nature of his final bow .

Conclusion

As Lee Corso steps away from the GameDay desk, he leaves behind a legacy defined by humor, humanity, and a deep love for the game of college football. His headgear picks became a weekly ritual for millions, while his mentorship and genuine spirit shaped the careers of countless broadcasters. When Corso makes his final prediction on August 30, 2025, it will mark the end of an era—but also the beginning of a new chapter in which his influence will continue to reverberate across the sport he so richly helped to elevate.