After almost five decades of making college football even more exciting for fans, Lee Corso, the beloved ESPN College GameDay analyst, has announced his retirement.
At the age of 90, Corso will step away from the iconic show after the first week of the 2025 season, with his final appearance scheduled for August 30.
A Legendary Career on College GameDay
Lee Corso first joined College GameDay in 1987, and over the years, he became a staple of the program.
His unique blend of humor, wit, and passion for college football endeared him to fans.
His trademark headgear picks, where he donned a mascot head for the team he was backing to win, became a fan favorite and a defining part of the show.
He’s been seen sporting everything from helmets to the leprechaun costume from Notre Dame, the Stanford tree, and even historical figures like Benjamin Franklin.
Reflecting on his nearly 40-year career, Corso expressed immense gratitude.
“My family and I will be forever indebted for the opportunity to be part of ESPN and College GameDay for nearly 40 years,” he said.
“I have a treasure of many friends, fond memories, and some unusual experiences to take with me into retirement.”
A Farewell Celebration
Corso’s influence on college football is undeniable, and ESPN is planning a special tribute to honor his legacy.
Jimmy Pitaro, the chairman of ESPN, praised Corso’s contributions, saying, “Lee is one of the most influential and beloved figures in the history of college football, and our ESPN team will celebrate his legendary career during his final College GameDay appearance this August.”
In addition to the final show, ESPN will air extra programming leading up to Corso’s farewell weekend, making sure that fans get a chance to relive his most iconic moments.
Despite battling a stroke in 2009, Corso made a remarkable recovery and continued to bring his signature style to the show.
While he hasn’t traveled much in recent years, Corso was present at last season’s national title game in Atlanta, a testament to his enduring dedication to the sport and his fans.
A Look Back at His Career
Corso’s career spans decades, and his impact on College GameDay and the sport of college football is immeasurable.
Whether it was his famous “not so fast, my friend” catchphrase or his enthusiastic headgear predictions, Corso connected with generations of fans.
As the college football landscape continues to evolve, his retirement marks the end of an era for ESPN and for many fans who grew up watching him each Saturday morning.
As Corso prepares to step away from the spotlight, he leaves behind a legacy filled with unforgettable moments and a profound influence on the world of college football.
His final appearance on College GameDay will no doubt be an emotional and celebratory moment for fans, colleagues, and everyone who had the privilege of watching him through the years.