Renowned college football commentator Lee Corso announces his retirement from ESPN's 'College GameDay'.
Rewritten Article:
Say goodbye to a college football legacy as Lee Corso, the iconic broadcaster known for his oversized mascot headgear on ESPN's College Gameday, is set to hang up his signature Ticonderoga No. 2 pencil after the Week 1 broadcast on August 30, 2025.
With a career spanning nearly four decades, Corso leaves an indelible mark on the broadcasting world, having joined ESPN back in 1987 and gracing Gameday since it started roaming campuses in 1993.
In a heartfelt statement, Corso, now 90 years old, expressed his gratitude towards ESPN, "I've made countless memories and friendships during my time with ESPN and College Gameday. I'll forever cherish these experiences and the unique moments they've provided."
The often-humorous populist, renowned for his love of oversized mascot headgear, pioneered the tradition back in 1996 during the Ohio State-Penn State game when he donned Brutus' Buckeyes mascot headgear. Since then, he's adorned Notre Dame's Fighting Irish Leprechaun, the Stanford Tree, and even rode a motorcycle with the Oregon Duck, spreading joy among fans and colleagues alike.
This famous ritual, accompanied by his signature catchphrase, "Not so fast, my friend," has become a staple of ESPN's college football coverage for close to four decades. With 430 mascot headgear selections under his belt, compiling a record of 286-144, Corso's picks have often influenced the college football landscape.
His frequent collaborator, Chris Fowler, who hosted College GameDay from 1990-2014, paid tribute to Corso, "Lee's spirit and zest for life, not to mention his love for the game, have left an indelible impact on the world of college football."
Fowler continued, "Whether it was his groundbreaking work on College GameDay or his infectious energy, Lee Corso has been a singular talent who will forever be remembered."
While the location for the final show has yet to be announced, Week 1 promises exhilarating matchups such as Texas versus Ohio State and Alabama's journey to Corso's alma mater, Florida State.
"ESPN has been exceptionally accommodating throughout the years, especially during the latter part of my career," Corso expressed in a Thursday statement. "The support I've received from my colleagues, particularly Kirk Herbstreit, has been invaluable. I am genuinely grateful for the opportunities they've provided."
Kirk Herbstreit, who has worked alongside Corso since 1996, recounted their time together, "Working with Lee has been an incredible privilege. His energy, enthusiasm, and unparalleled ability to entertain have made every broadcast unforgettable."
A celebrated figure in college football, Corso played college football with the Seminoles in the 1950s, holding the school's interception record for two decades. He is an esteemed member of the athletic Halls of Fame at Florida State, Louisville, Indiana, as well as the state of Florida Sports Hall of Fame and Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame.
Corso concluded his announcement with a heartfelt message to the viewers, "To the fans who have supported me throughout the years - I can't thank you enough for sharing in this extraordinary journey with me. ESPN provided me with this incredible opportunity, and I am grateful for their unwavering support."
The College Football Hall of Fame may soon have a new inductee, but for now, football enthusiasts can celebrate the legacy of Lee Corso, a man who brought laughter, entertainment, and unmatched passion to the world of college football for nearly four decades.
- In a retirement announcement scheduled for August 30, 2025, Lee Corso, the famous broadcaster known for his oversized mascot headgear on ESPN's College Gameday, indicated his intention to retire following the Week 1 broadcast.
- When Lee Corso joined ESPN back in 1987, he had no idea his love for American football and NCAA football would lead him to become part of a legendary sports broadcasting team.
- A pioneer in the sports broadcasting world, Corso genuinely appreciates the unique moments and friendships he made while working with ESPN, particularly with Kirk Herbstreit.
- Instead of identifying himself with specific teams, Corso became known for his iconic pencil pick, a prediction he made while wearing various sports team mascot headgear on ESPN's College Gameday, such as the Oregon Duck or Notre Dame's Fighting Irish Leprechaun.
- The culmination of his NCAA football career will be showcased on the Week 1 broadcast in 2025, with exciting matchups like Texas versus Ohio State and Alabama potentially paying homage to Corso's college football legacy on the same field where he played for Florida State.
