Lee Corso, the legendary college football analyst and beloved face of ESPN’s “College GameDay,” will retire following the show’s Week 1 broadcast of the 2025 season. Corso, who turns 90 in August, will make his final headgear pick on August 30, closing out a remarkable run that began when he joined the show in 1987.
Corso’s signature headgear segment, where he dons the mascot head of his pick for the game, has become a Saturday morning tradition for college football fans. His first headgear pick happened in 1996, and since then, he has made over 400 predictions, delighting viewers with his humour and unpredictability. His catchphrase, “Not so fast, my friend,” and playful banter with co-hosts like Kirk Herbstreit have made him a fan favourite for decades.
Before his broadcasting career, Corso spent 28 years as a football coach at both the college and professional levels, including head coaching stints at Louisville, Indiana, and Northern Illinois. He is the last original cast member of “College GameDay” and has been a central figure in the show’s evolution and enduring popularity.
ESPN will announce the location of Corso’s final show at a later date and plans to honour his legacy with special programming leading up to his farewell. Corso expressed gratitude for his time at ESPN, reflecting on the friendships, memories, and experiences he gained throughout his nearly 40-year career on television.
Corso’s retirement marks the end of an era in college football broadcasting, and his presence will be deeply missed by fans and colleagues alike.