Kirk Herbstreit says ESPN got it right when it came to celebrating Lee Corso’s legendary run on College GameDay. The longtime analyst reflected on his friendship with Corso and the network’s decision to honor his final appearance at Ohio State — the same place where Corso first donned the mascot headgear nearly three decades ago.
Speaking as a guest on The Dan Patrick Show, Herbstreit opened up about his relationship with Corso. Herbstreit described how their bond deepened after Corso suffered a stroke in 2009. What began as a mentor-player relationship evolved into something much more personal.
“When he had a stroke, he went from being the mentor and coach to me just… we never talked about it,” Herbstreit said. “It was just, ‘I’m an Ohio guy — what can I do to help?’ So I just kind of sat there, and if he ever needed a little help, I would help. And if he didn’t, he didn’t.”
Herbstreit added that his small gestures of support towards Corso weren’t about drawing attention.
“I would try to do it as subtly as I could,” he said. “I didn’t really realize people were paying attention to it. I think over time it just became natural. We were two friends hanging out next to each other talking football.”
The veteran analyst’s respect for Corso extends well beyond the broadcast desk. Herbstreit said he was particularly pleased with how ESPN handled the emotional sendoff for the 90-year-old icon, who has been part of GameDay since it’s beginnings in 1987.
“I was really, really happy the way ESPN handled that,” Herbstreit said. “Sometimes, you know, big companies — a lot of people, things move on. But they really did him right with that special they did.”
The network paid tribute to Corso with a weekend-long celebration, culminating in his farewell show at Ohio State — a fitting bookend to his memorable on-air tradition.
“The fact that it was at Ohio State, ironically enough, where he started with the headgear and finished with the headgear — it was a cool, cool experience to be there with him,” Herbstreit said.
Corso’s farewell marked the end of an era for College GameDay, which continues to be one of ESPN’s most influential properties. But for Herbstreit, the moment wasn’t about television history or ratings. It was about friendship, loyalty, and gratitude for a man who helped shape his own broadcasting journey.
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