Legendary College Football Analyst Lee Corso Retires After Iconic Four-Decade Career
In a historic moment for college football and sports broadcasting, Lee Corso bid farewell to ESPN’s “College GameDay” on August 30, 2025, marking the end of an extraordinary nearly 40-year tenure on one of college sports’ most beloved pregame shows. The 90-year-old television personality made his final appearance on the week 1 episode covering the marquee matchup between No. 1 Texas and No. 3 Ohio State, concluding an era of memorable moments, catchphrases, and his trademark headgear picks.
Corso’s retirement was publicly announced in April 2025, and his final broadcast was loaded with emotion and celebration. Hosted by Rece Davis at the Columbus, Ohio set, the farewell featured Corso’s customary closing ritual: donning a college team’s mascot head to signify his pick. This signature moment first captured the public’s heart in 1996 when Corso put on the Brutus Buckeye headgear to pick Ohio State over Penn State, a moment later regarded as revolutionary in sports entertainment.
Beginning his television career with ESPN’s “College GameDay” in 1987, Corso became one of the show’s most iconic figures. His engaging personality, humor, and profound knowledge of college football endeared him to fans nationwide. His contributions transcended broadcasting; Corso also coached collegiate teams like the University of Louisville and Indiana University during his career in college football before transitioning to media.
“It’s sad, but it’s also a celebration,” said Rece Davis shortly before Corso’s final broadcast. “Lee embodies what it means to love college football, and this isn’t just a goodbye — it’s a thank you and a celebration of a career unlike any other.” He noted how rare it is in broadcasting to have a graceful and heartfelt farewell unlike sudden disappearances common in the industry.
Corso didn’t just influence TV audiences; he also appeared in commercials, notably a 2006 Nike commercial with legendary football personalities, and was part of EA Sports’ NCAA Football video game series, where his headgear choice was a pregame highlight until 2011.
His legacy includes:
- Nearing four decades as a fixture on ESPN’s “College GameDay.”
- Transforming the culture of college football broadcasting with showmanship and enthusiasm.
- Cementing unique traditions, especially his iconic mascot headgear picks.
- Shaping the fan experience around college football’s biggest games on Saturday mornings throughout the fall season.
As Corso exited the broadcast booth for the last time, the football world celebrated a career that became synonymous with college football itself — a soulful journey that touched countless fans, coaches, players, and peers alike.
The final headgear pick of Lee Corso was a fitting send-off: a moment of nostalgia, passion, and unmistakable charisma that will remain a cherished hallmark of college sports fandom.