Legendary ESPN college football analyst Lee Corso made his final appearance on ‘College GameDay’ on August 30, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio, marking the end of his 38-year tenure with emotional tributes and his iconic headgear prediction. The event was a heartfelt celebration of his immense impact on the sport and television broadcasting.
The farewell unfolded at Ohio Stadium, where Corso first introduced the headgear tradition in 1996 by picking Ohio State over Penn State. This time, he chose the Buckeyes again to defeat Texas, receiving thunderous applause from a packed crowd. Dressed in a tuxedo, Corso was honored with various gestures, including mascots from Clemson, LSU, UCF, Alabama, Oregon, and Notre Dame, and a giant Brutus-sized cake, symbolizing the widespread admiration he commands.
Fans from across the country shared personal anecdotes, such as Kelly Yokely, who brought homemade cookies for Corso for over 20 years, highlighting the deep, personal connections he forged beyond the screen. The ‘GameDay’ crew, including Nick Saban and Pat McAfee, wore oversized Corso heads in a unified show of respect, underscoring the camaraderie and affection within the team.
Colleagues like Rece Davis and Kirk Herbstreit praised Corso for revolutionizing pregame shows and making college football a day-long event. Herbstreit revealed how Corso became a father figure to him, especially after Corso’s stroke in 2009, showcasing a bond that extended far beyond professional duties and into personal mentorship.
In a fitting coincidence, all six teams Corso coached during his career—Florida State, Maryland, Navy, Louisville, Indiana, and Northern Illinois—won their Week 1 games. Florida State’s upset over Alabama was particularly notable, as Corso correctly predicted it, adding a layer of serendipity to his farewell and emphasizing his enduring influence on the game.
Corso expressed feeling overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, comparing it to watching his own funeral, but remained grateful and characteristically irreverent. He plans to retire and focus on family life, including watching his great-grandchild start first grade, shifting his priorities to more personal joys after decades in the spotlight.
‘GameDay’ will continue without him, but host Rece Davis stated that no one will replace the headgear tradition, ensuring Corso’s legacy endures uniquely. The show has evolved from a small studio program to a massive production, largely due to Corso’s charisma, humor, and innovative spirit, which inspired similar formats like ‘Inside the NBA’.
Corso’s impact extends beyond television, inspiring generations of fans and broadcasters with his authenticity and passion. His farewell was not just an end but a celebration of a storied career that fundamentally changed how college football is experienced and enjoyed, leaving an indelible mark on the sport’s culture.