Lee Corso Signs Off of ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’ After 38 Years

Lee Corso Bids Farewell to ESPN’s “College GameDay” After 38 Years

It was a bittersweet moment on Saturday as Lee Corso, the iconic college football coach and football analyst, said goodbye to ESPN’s “College GameDay” after 38 years on the show.

Corso, who celebrated his 90th birthday on Aug. 7, is renowned for his insightful analysis and charming commentary on college football. For his final appearance, he donned a tuxedo as the show was broadcast from Ohio Stadium ahead of the Texas Longhorns versus Ohio State Buckeyes game.

Corso is the last remaining member of the original on-air team of “College GameDay” to retire. The show first aired in 1987 and has become a staple of the college football season, with the hosts traveling to different cities to cover major games and rivalries. One of Corso’s signature moments on the show is his prediction of the game’s winner by donning the headgear of his chosen team at the end of the broadcast. As per ESPN, Corso’s record stands at 286-144 through the 2024 season, and he has worn the headgear of 69 different teams over the years. His final pick on Saturday marked his 431st selection for “College GameDay.”

During the show, Corso expressed his gratitude to his fellow hosts Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee, and Nick Saban, thanking them for their support throughout the years. The crowd of fans surrounding the set displayed numerous signs paying homage to Corso and his famous catchphrases like “Not so fast my friend.”

Ohio State coach Ryan Day presented Corso with a special Buckeyes helmet adorned with emblems representing the 45 times Corso had picked Ohio State to win. The tradition of Corso choosing a hat or mascot began in 1996 during an Ohio State game.

One of Corso’s memorable moments on the show was when he held a live baby alligator while picking his alma mater, Florida State, to win. Fans in the crowd on Saturday honored Corso’s love for Ohio State with creative signs and banners. Ohio State holds the top spot as Corso’s most-picked team, followed by Alabama, LSU, Florida, and Oregon, according to ESPN statistics.

The show also featured pre-recorded tributes from notable figures in the sports and entertainment industry, including Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, and actors Matthew McConaughey and Will Ferrell.

In a bold prediction, Corso chose Louisiana State University (LSU) as the eventual champion of the 2025 college football season during his final appearance.

Prior to his broadcasting career, Corso spent 28 years as a college football coach, leading teams at Indiana, Louisville, and Northern Illinois. He rose to fame through his appearances on local TV sports programs in Indiana and Louisville before transitioning to television full time.

Describing Corso as the “greatest entertainer in the history of sports television,” Herbstreit paid tribute to his colleague’s legacy. Herbstreit also likened Corso to a wise mentor like “Don Corleone or Yoda” for his ability to offer sage advice and listen intently.

Corso’s groundbreaking decision to recruit the first Black player, Darryl Hill, for the University of Maryland in 1962 was acknowledged during the show. Desmond Howard, a former NFL player and fellow analyst, credited Corso for his trailblazing move that paved the way for diversity in college football.

As the show drew to a close, Herbstreit asked Corso if he had any final words for his devoted fans. In his typical humble fashion, Corso simply said, “Thank you.”

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