ESPN analyst Lee Corso, the beloved broadcaster and former college football coach, will make his final headgear pick on College GameDay on Saturday, Aug. 30, during the opening weekend of the 2025 college football season. The show’s location for that broadcast will be announced later this spring. In addition, ESPN plans to honor Corso’s nearly 40-year career with special programming leading up to his farewell appearance. Specific details about the celebration are expected to be shared at a later date.
Corso, who turns 90 in August, has been a fixture on College GameDay since its debut in 1987. Although he became a full-time analyst in 1989, he contributed from the show’s start and remains the only original member still on air.
The tradition that defined his legacy—wearing a mascot head to predict the winner of the day’s biggest game—began in 1996 in Columbus, Ohio. That day, Corso picked Ohio State by donning Brutus Buckeye’s head. Since then, he has made 430 headgear picks, choosing the Buckeyes a record 45 times.
“My family and I will be forever indebted for the opportunity to be part of ESPN and College GameDay for nearly 40 years,” Corso said. “I have a treasure of many friends, fond memories and some unusual experiences to take with me into retirement.”
Over the years, Corso has made headgear picks for 69 different teams and appeared on GameDay sets in more than 70 cities. He’s delivered countless unforgettable moments—from riding motorcycles with mascots to surprise appearances by celebrities—and is known for his catchphrase, “Not so fast, my friend!” and his signature No. 2 pencil.
“ESPN has been exceptionally generous to me, especially these past few years,” Corso added. “They accommodated me and supported me, as did my colleagues in the early days of College GameDay. Special thanks to Kirk Herbstreit for his friendship and encouragement. And lest I forget, the fans… truly a blessing to share this with them. ESPN gave me this wonderful opportunity and provided me the support to ensure success. I am genuinely grateful.”
Before joining ESPN, Corso spent 28 years coaching at both the college and professional levels, including head coaching stints at Louisville, Indiana, Northern Illinois, and in the USFL.
“Coach Corso has had an iconic run in broadcasting, and we’re all lucky to have been around to witness it,” said Kirk Herbstreit, who joined GameDay in 1996. “He has taught me so much throughout our time together, and he’s been like a second father to me. It has been my absolute honor to have the best seat in the house to watch Coach put on that mascot head each week.”
“Lee Corso has developed a special connection to generations of fans through his entertaining style and iconic headgear picks,” said ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro. “Lee is one of the most influential and beloved figures in the history of college football, and our ESPN team will celebrate his legendary career during his final College GameDay appearance this August.”
“It has been among the greatest joys and privileges of my life to work with, laugh with, and learn from Lee Corso for more than 35 incredible years,” said former GameDay host Chris Fowler. “His courage and resilience have inspired millions. Through his groundbreaking work on College GameDay, Lee has been an indelible force in the growth of college football’s popularity. He’s a born entertainer and singular television talent. But at his heart he’ll always be a coach, with an abiding love and respect for the game and the people who play it.”
Corso’s farewell broadcast will air live from 9 a.m. to noon ET on ESPN and ESPNU. Further plans for the show and Corso’s final pick will be announced later.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
