It was the end of an era on Saturday as Lee Corso, the beloved face of ESPN’s College GameDay, made his final appearance on the iconic college football pregame show. At 90, Corso’s retirement marks the conclusion of a remarkable journey that began in 1987 when College GameDay first hit the airwaves. Over nearly four decades, Corso helped transform the show from a simple studio broadcast into a national traveling spectacle, drawing fans from across the country.

Story Highlights

• Lee Corso, 90, retires from ESPN’s College GameDay after decades of iconic pregame appearances.

• Known for mascot headgear predictions and the catchphrase “Not so fast, my friend!”

• Final show held at Ohio State, the site of his first headgear pick in 1996.

• Former Florida State quarterback and defensive back; ranks third in career interceptions with Seminoles.

• Final College GameDay coincides with highly anticipated No. 1 Texas vs. No. 3 Ohio State matchup.

• Colleagues Tom Rinaldi and Chris Fallaca will honor Corso during the broadcast.

“College GameDay is more than a show,” Corso once said. “It’s a tradition, and I’ve been lucky to be part of it every Saturday morning.”

Wherever the show went, the weekend game often became the centerpiece of college football. Corso’s infectious enthusiasm, knowledge of the sport, and playful rivalry with fellow analyst Kirk Herbstreit turned College GameDay into a must-watch experience. Over the years, his signature No. 2 pencil became as recognizable as his catchphrase, “Not so fast, my friend!” – a playful rebuttal he often used when disagreeing with a pick or analysis.

Corso’s most memorable contribution to the program was undoubtedly his mascot headgear prediction. Each week, he would reveal his pick for the game by donning the head of the team he believed would win, eliciting cheers or boos from the passionate crowds gathered on campuses nationwide. “It’s not just about picking a team,” Corso explained. “It’s about the fun, the rivalry, and sharing a moment with fans.”

Saturday’s final show was fittingly held at Ohio State, the site of Corso’s very first headgear prediction in 1996, when he chose the Buckeyes to beat Penn State. Over the years, Ohio State has hosted College GameDay 26 times, more than any other school, making it a symbolic location for Corso’s farewell.

“Ohio State was where it all began for me with the headgear,” Corso reflected. “To come back here for my last show feels like closing a full circle.”

Unlike legendary coaches such as Nick Saban, Corso’s appeal was never about championships or accolades. He brought an approachable, fan-like passion to the show while still maintaining credibility. A former quarterback and defensive back at Florida State, he still ranks third in career interceptions for the Seminoles, tied with Deion Sanders at 14. Yet, Corso never shied away from sharing lighter anecdotes. Being Burt Reynolds’ roommate in Tallahassee was just one story among many that endeared him to viewers.

“I want people to know me as a fan as much as a coach,” Corso said. “Football is about joy, tradition, and community. That’s what I tried to bring to every show.”

Corso’s farewell coincided with one of the most anticipated college football games in recent memory: No. 1 Texas facing No. 3 Ohio State. His final mascot pick is expected to be a highlight moment, with Fox even including it on its competing Big Noon Kickoff pregame show. ESPN colleagues, including reporter Tom Rinaldi and statistician Chris Fallaca, will also pay tribute during the broadcast, celebrating Corso’s enduring influence on the sport and the show.

Whether Corso dons Brutus the Buckeye or the Longhorns’ Hook ‘Em headgear, the reaction from fans will be heartfelt. Outside St. John Arena on Saturday, emotions will be a mix of nostalgia, joy, and the bittersweet recognition that Saturday mornings of college football will never be quite the same without him.

As Lee Corso steps away from College GameDay, college football fans are left with decades of unforgettable moments, spirited predictions, and Saturday morning traditions that will be hard to replace. His blend of expertise, humor, and genuine passion made him more than an analyst—he became the “college football dad” for generations. While his final pick will be remembered, it is his enduring presence, love for the game, and ability to connect with fans that will leave the most lasting legacy. College football Saturdays will continue, but the mark Lee Corso left on College GameDay and the sport itself will never be forgotten.

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