Introduction
Lee Corso’s name is synonymous with college football Saturday mornings. As an iconic broadcast analyst on ESPN’s College GameDay, Corso brought predictability–defying flair, infectious enthusiasm, and a signature headgear tradition to millions. His final appearance on August 30, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio, offered fans an emotional farewell and a full-circle moment. This article delves into what he said—especially harkening back to his Houston moments—his final headgear pick, the collectible action figure launched in his honor, and the broader legacy he leaves behind.
1. Flashback: What Did Lee Corso Say in Houston?
While Corso’s last show took place in Columbus, his career included memorable live moments, including those in Houston. According to reports, some of Corso’s most colorful and Texas-themed episodes featured attention-grabbing lines:
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During a College GameDay episode in 2011 in Houston, Corso “used an expletive,” adding his trademark candid humor to the broadcast.
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In earlier years, he theatrically fired shotguns at Texas Tech during another live Houston show—an exaggerated stunt that grew into legend.
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His witty banter continued through the years—once playfully clashing with actor Matthew McConaughey during a Texas appearance in 2019.
These moments underscore why Corso connected so deeply with fans: he was unpredictable, unscripted, and unabashedly himself.
2. Picks Today: Lee Corso’s Final Headgear Moment
A Sentimental Farewell in Columbus
Corso’s long-awaited final GameDay appearance occurred live from Ohio State University on August 30, 2025, ahead of the No. 1 Texas vs. No. 3 Ohio State matchup—an intentional nod to his career’s beginning.
The Showmanship Continues
Dressed in a tuxedo—a fittingly stylish choice for the occasion—Corso received an ovation from the crowd and hosts as his farewell began. “In my final show and I’m wearing this tuxedo as a way to go out in style,” he said, expressing gratitude and grace.
A Fake-Out and the Final Reveal
Ever the showman, Corso teased viewers with a Texas pick:
“This is one of the easiest picks I’ve ever made… Texas is No. 1… Poor Ohio State, they ain’t got a chance.”
Then, in signature style, he reached back and donned the Brutus Buckeye head, declaring:
“Give me my first love.”
This marked his 431st and final mascot-head pick, bringing his iconic tradition full circle at the school where it all began in 1996.
Legacy & Tribute
Chris Fowler returned to help honor Corso’s legacy, recognizing the moment as historic television. Colleagues, including Kirk Herbstreit, and even rival show Big Noon Kickoff joined in paying tribute. Herbstreit poignantly said, “We love you man,” and Corso acknowledged the moment’s significance, joking it was “like I’m dead”—except he was alive to enjoy it.
3. Action Figure: A Collector’s Keepsake
To celebrate Corso’s final GameDay, ESPN created only 30 limited-edition action figures—making them rare collector’s items. Each includes:
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A mini College GameDay desk
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Customizable signage
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Two interchangeable mascot heads
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A QR code linked to ESPN App personalization options
Fans could win these through ESPN’s social media lead-up to the show. ESPN Press Room U.S.MySA
This figure is not only a tribute but also a physical testament to Corso’s enduring legacy.
4. Lee Corso’s Legacy & Impact
Decades of Influence
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Corso joined ESPN’s College GameDay in 1987 and retired in 2025—spanning an astounding 38 years.
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His headgear tradition began in Columbus in 1996 with Brutus Buckeye, and over the years he made 431 picks, with an impressive 286–144 record.
Coaching Roots
Before broadcasting, Corso was a head coach at Louisville (1969–1972), Indiana (1973–1982), and Northern Illinois (1984), as well as a brief stint with the USFL’s Orlando Renegades in 1985—amassing a college coaching record of 73–85–6.
Beloved Persona
Corso’s on-air catchphrase—“Not so fast, my friend!”—and his affectionate use of “sweetheart” became trademarks. His presence brought warmth, authenticity, and theatrical flair to the pregame show.
Emotional Farewell
Unlike many broadcasters, Corso’s exit was dignified, celebratory, and imbued with recognition—allowing him to “get the flowers” while still engaged and appreciated.
Conclusion
From his unforgettable Houston moments to his final theatrical pick in Columbus, Lee Corso’s College GameDay career stands as a testament to the power of enthusiasm, tradition, and showmanship. His final pick of Ohio State was more than symbolic—it was a full-circle farewell from the “first love” of his headgear legacy. The limited-edition action figure ensures that fans can hold a piece of that legacy, while his decades of impact remain embedded in the hearts of college football fans everywhere.
As the GameDay studio transitions forward with Rece Davis, Desmond Howard, Kirk Herbstreit, Pat McAfee, Nick Saban, and others, Corso’s infectious spirit—and the tradition he championed—remain firmly rooted in college football culture.
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