College Football legend Lee Corso bids farewell to his career; crucial information on his retirement detailed here

Lee Corso Bids Farewell to ESPN's College GameDay After 4 Decades

Lee Corso, the beloved figure of ESPN's College GameDay, announced his retirement in April 2025, marking the end of a 75-year college football legacy spanning over four decades. Corso's TV career was marked by his aim to bring a smile to everyone's face, and his retirement will conclude a remarkable journey that redefined college football coverage.

Corso's career began in the 1950s as a remarkable quarterback and cornerback for the Florida State Seminoles. After graduating, he coached at Louisville, Indiana, Navy, and Northern Illinois, and briefly led the Orlando Renegades in the USFL. However, it was his role on ESPN's College GameDay that Corso became primarily known for. He joined the show in 1987 and remained a fixture for 38 seasons.

One of Corso's most iconic contributions to College GameDay was his headgear picks. In 1996, he started wearing headgear to predict games, making a total of 430 picks over the years. His headgear picks yielded a 286-144 record, and his top choices were Ohio State's Brutus (45 times) and Alabama's Big Al (38 times). Corso never picked against the Navy, due to his former role as an assistant coach.

A career highlight for Corso was a perfect 11-0 prediction streak in 1999. However, his resilience was truly showcased in 2009 when he suffered a stroke but returned to GameDay with determination. In 2010, Corso received the National College Football Awards Association's Contributions to College Football Award.

Southwest Airlines passengers gave Corso a standing ovation en route to his final broadcast in Columbus. The final broadcast of Corso on ESPN's College GameDay will be during Ohio State versus Texas on Saturday, August 30. Corso's last on-air statement before retirement will be "Not so fast, my friend!" during the Ohio State versus Texas broadcast.

Corso's achievements earned him inductions into the Florida State, Louisville, Indiana, Florida Sports, and Kentucky Athletic Halls of Fame. In July 2025, he was honored at the ESPYs in Los Angeles. Corso's interception record for the Florida State Seminoles held for two decades before being broken.

Corso held a special place in the hearts of college football fans for his infectious enthusiasm and unique style. His retirement from ESPN's College GameDay will be a significant loss for the college football community, but his legacy will continue to inspire future broadcasters and fans alike.

College Football legend Lee Corso bids farewell to his career; crucial information on his retirement detailed here