ESPN announced that Lee Corso, a legendary college football analyst and staple of College GameDay, will retire after the Week 1 show of the 2025 college football season on August 30.
Corso, who turns 90 on August 7, has been with the program since its inception in 1987, making him the only remaining original on-air personality. His 38-year tenure includes 430 headgear picks, a beloved segment where he dons a mascot head or helmet to predict the winner of the featured game, starting with Ohio State in 1996. His record stands at 286-144, covering 69 teams.
Corso, known for his catchphrase “Not so fast, my friend!” and comedic rapport with co-hosts like Kirk Herbstreit, expressed gratitude in a statement: “My family and I will be forever indebted for the opportunity to be part of ESPN and College GameDay for nearly 40 years. I have a treasure of many friends, fond memories and some unusual experiences to take with me into retirement.”
ESPN plans to celebrate Corso’s career with special programming leading up to his final broadcast, though the Week 1 location—potentially Ohio State vs. Texas or Alabama vs. Florida State—remains unconfirmed. Colleagues like Herbstreit, who called Corso a “second father,” and host Rece Davis praised his influence and warmth. Fans and analysts, including Field Yates, lauded his passion and iconic presence, with social media reflecting on moments like his headgear picks and humorous on-air antics.
Corso’s retirement marks the end of an era for College GameDay, a nine-time Emmy-winning show, with his departure expected to make the August 30 episode one of the most-watched in its history.
Corso, known for his catchphrase “Not so fast, my friend!” and comedic rapport with co-hosts like Kirk Herbstreit, expressed gratitude in a statement: “My family and I will be forever indebted for the opportunity to be part of ESPN and College GameDay for nearly 40 years. I have a treasure of many friends, fond memories and some unusual experiences to take with me into retirement.”
He thanked ESPN for their support, especially in recent years, and highlighted his bond with Herbstreit and the fans.
Before broadcasting, Corso coached for 28 years, including head coaching stints at Louisville (1969-1972), Indiana (1973-1982), Northern Illinois (1984), and the USFL’s Orlando Renegades (1985), with a career record of 73-85-6. He led Indiana to a 1979 Holiday Bowl win, their first bowl victory in 75 years. A former Florida State player, Corso also suffered a stroke in 2009, which impacted his speech and required scripted appearances, but he returned to the show that year.
ESPN plans to celebrate Corso’s career with special programming leading up to his final broadcast, though the Week 1 location—potentially Ohio State vs. Texas or Alabama vs. Florida State—remains unconfirmed. Colleagues like Herbstreit, who called Corso a “second father,” and host Rece Davis praised his influence and warmth. Fans and analysts, including Field Yates, lauded his passion and iconic presence, with social media reflecting on moments like his headgear picks and humorous on-air antics.
Corso’s retirement marks the end of an era for College GameDay, a nine-time Emmy-winning show, with his departure expected to make the August 30 episode one of the most-watched in its history.
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