Introduction
Lee Corso, the effervescent face of ESPN’s College GameDay, took his final bow on August 30, 2025. At age 90, after nearly four decades as a pregame staple, his retirement marks the end of an era in college football broadcasting. With heartfelt tributes and his iconic headgear pick concluding at Ohio Stadium, Corso’s departure resonates far beyond a simple sign-off.
1. Retirement: A Farewell to a Legend
Announcement and Timing
ESPN officially announced in April 2025 that Lee Corso, who joined College GameDay in 1987, would retire at the end of that summer. His final show aired on August 30, 2025—Week 1 of the college football season.
Significance of the Farewell Location
Corso’s final gameday was fittingly held in Columbus, Ohio, at Ohio State University—a place where his headgear tradition began in 1996 with Brutus Buckeye
Emotional Tribute
The final show featured tributes from peers like Kirk Herbstreit, Rece Davis, Pat McAfee, and even NFL legend Bill Belichick. The emotional moment included messages from family and collaborators; Corso was visibly moved, marking the end of a beloved era.
2. Last Gameday: The Final Headgear Pick
Iconic Headgear Tradition
Since 1996, Corso’s signature moment came at the end of each show: donning a mascot head that signified his pick for the biggest game of the day. This quirky, theatrical tradition grew into a cultural touchstone in college football media.
The Final Pick
On August 30, 2025, Corso donned the Brutus Buckeye head one final time and picked Ohio State over Texas in front of over 100,000 fans at Ohio Stadium. This was his 431st and final headgear pick, with a career record of 286 wins and 144 losses—cementing a lasting legacy. ESPN has confirmed the headgear tradition will conclude with his retirement.
3. Stroke: A Moment of Resilience
Health Challenge
In 2009, Corso suffered a stroke at his home in Florida. The episode temporarily left him unable to speak and significantly impacted his travel and spontaneity.
Return to the Spotlight
Determined and supported by colleagues like Kirk Herbstreit, Corso returned to College GameDay later that year. While he continued making appearances, segments were more scripted to accommodate his recovery.
Long-Term Impact
Despite health limitations, Corso continued contributing for another 15+ years, embodying resilience and love for the audience he entertained every weekend.
4. Coaching Career: Before the Spotlight
Collegiate Coaching Legacy
Prior to his television fame, Lee Corso enjoyed a 15-year head coaching career across three universities:
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University of Louisville (1969–1972)
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Indiana University (1973–1982)
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Northern Illinois University (1984)
His college coaching record stood at 73–85–6 WikipediaESPN Press Room U.S..
USFL Experience
In 1985, Corso coached the Orlando Renegades in the short-lived USFL, with a record of 5–13.
Player Background
Corso was also a multi-position player at Florida State University in the 1950s, playing quarterback and cornerback. He completed both bachelor’s and master’s degrees there by 1958.
5. Age: A Timeless Legacy at 90
Born August 7, 1935, Lee Corso turned 90 just three weeks before his final broadcast.
At 90 years old, he became the oldest regular TV personality in college football coverage. Instead of gradually fading away, he chose a high-profile exit, going out on his own terms with celebration and fanfare.
6. The Legacy: Impact and Reflection
End of an Era
Corso’s final show marks a cultural milestone. Fans, analysts, athletes, and celebrities like LeBron James paid heartfelt homage to the broadcaster. His catchphrase, “Not so fast, my friend,” and headgear theatrics became synonymous with college football Saturdays.
Peer Acknowledgements
Desmond Howard praised Corso as one of college football’s greatest influences—on par with icons like John Madden and Keith Jackson. colleagues like Herbstreit acknowledged his mentorship, camaraderie, and impact on generations of broadcasters.
Fan Sentiment
Fans on Reddit reminisced about their favorite Corso moments—one user shared:
“Anyone else gonna be in tears when Corso does his final headgear pick next Saturday? I will sob like a baby!”
A Tradition Retired
ESPN confirmed the headgear segment will end with Corso’s retirement, marking the conclusion of one of television sports broadcasting’s most beloved traditions.
7. Summary Table
| Topic | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Retirement | Announced April 2025; final show August 30, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio |
| Last Gameday | 431st headgear pick—Ohio State; headgear tradition ends |
| Stroke | Suffered in 2009; returned with scripted support |
| Coaching | Head coach at Louisville, Indiana, Northern Illinois; Orlando Renegades USFL |
| Age | Turned 90 in August 2025; retired with dignity and fanfare |
| Legacy | Emotional tributes; iconic tradition retired; unparalleled influence |
Conclusion
Lee Corso’s departure closes a defining chapter in sports broadcasting. From his on-field days at Florida State to his head coaching career and his iconic role on College GameDay, Corso fused passion, performance, and authenticity. His final gameday, his last headgear moment, came at an emotionally charged crossroads of tradition and transition.
At age 90, with health challenges behind him and an unbroken connection with fans, Corso stepped away—giving generations the gift of entertainment and legacy. As his voice fades from Saturday mornings, his influence endures—in laughter, in fandom, and in every college football story that follows.
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