Thank you, Coach Corso, for the memories, laughs, and legendary picks. Your passion shaped college football forever. Enjoy retirement—you’ve earned every second.

Few figures in college football have left a legacy as rich, colorful, and universally beloved as Lee Corso. For generations of fans, his face, voice, and larger-than-life antics have been as much a part of the sport as the games themselves. With the news of his retirement, it’s not just the end of a career—it’s the close of a golden era.

We say this with gratitude, admiration, and maybe a few tears: Thank you, Coach Corso.

Thank you for the memories.
Thank you for the laughs.
Thank you for being the heart of college football Saturdays.

The Coach Before the Camera

Before the headgear, before the catchphrases, and before the national spotlight, Lee Corso was a coach—through and through.

Born in Florida in 1935 to Italian immigrant parents, Corso was raised in humble beginnings but rose quickly through the football ranks thanks to his intelligence, tenacity, and undeniable love for the game. After playing quarterback and cornerback at Florida State, he launched a coaching career that spanned decades. He served as head coach at Louisville (1969–72) and Indiana University (1973–82), leading the Hoosiers to two bowl games and their only bowl win of the 20th century.

Though his coaching record was modest, Corso was always known as a players’ coach—energetic, passionate, and relentlessly positive. He never missed an opportunity to make others laugh or feel seen. He treated his players like family, long before the cameras ever caught his smile.

Coaching was just the first chapter. What came next made him a legend.

The Birth of a Broadcast Icon

In 1987, Lee Corso joined ESPN’s fledgling show College GameDay. At the time, it was a relatively low-key studio program—far from the traveling circus it would later become. Corso, with his deep football knowledge and infectious personality, brought immediate flair to the broadcast.

He didn’t look or sound like your typical analyst. He was unpredictable, energetic, and sometimes even absurd. And it was perfect.

The real magic happened in 1996, when Corso first donned a college mascot head—Brutus Buckeye—during a live prediction on GameDay. The crowd went wild. It was unscripted, hilarious, and totally authentic. A tradition was born.

From that moment on, Corso’s weekly headgear pick became the moment of the show. Would he pick the home team? Would he fake us out? Would he say “Not so fast, my friend”? No one knew. And that was the beauty of it.

More Than a Gimmick

It would be easy to remember Lee Corso simply as the guy who put on mascot heads and made jokes. But that would be selling him short. He was never just a gimmick. He was the soul of the broadcast.

Corso brought emotion and heart to every show. He made the game fun again, not just for viewers, but for his colleagues. His chemistry with co-hosts like Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Rece Davis, and Chris Fowler created a dynamic that felt like family. He was the quirky uncle, the wise coach, and the fearless entertainer all in one.

Even as his health declined and his speech slowed following a stroke in 2009, Corso remained committed. He stayed on the show, missed few appearances, and continued giving it his all. His presence—even in a reduced role—was a symbol of continuity. A reminder of what college football was, and what it could still be.

A National Treasure

What set Lee Corso apart was his rare ability to connect with everyone.

He wasn’t just talking to die-hard fans or Xs-and-Os analysts. He was talking to kids. To grandparents. To alumni and students. He could make you laugh, then tear up minutes later. He celebrated the tradition, the pageantry, and the people that make college football special.

His presence on GameDay made college football feel bigger than a game. It felt like a community. A celebration. An experience you couldn’t miss.

And no matter who you rooted for—SEC, Big Ten, Pac-12 or MAC—everyone loved Corso. Because he never took himself too seriously. And because he reminded us that it’s okay to be silly about something you love.

Iconic Moments That Will Live Forever

Over nearly four decades on air, Corso gave us a highlight reel few could match. Who could forget:

• The time he picked the Oregon Ducks by wearing a live duck on set.
• His emotional return after his stroke, welcomed by an overwhelming wave of fan support.
• His fake-outs—pretending to choose one team, then flipping to the other at the last second.
• His on-air missteps that only made him more endearing (“You can’t spell Citrus without U-T!”).
• His undying commitment to each school he picked—whether he was dressing like a Trojan, dancing with the Nittany Lion, or kissing a bulldog.

He was fearless. And unforgettable.

A Mentor and Father Figure

For his colleagues, Corso was more than a co-host—he was a mentor.

Kirk Herbstreit has often described Corso as “like a second father.” The bond between the two was obvious on screen, with Herbstreit frequently helping Corso through tough segments, never letting the moment feel awkward or forced. The love and respect they shared was genuine, and it helped define GameDay’s heartwarming tone.

Behind the scenes, Corso mentored countless young broadcasters, teaching them that it’s okay to be human on air. You didn’t have to be perfect. You just had to be passionate. His legacy will live on through every broadcaster who brings joy, authenticity, and love of the game to their work.

The End of an Era

When Lee Corso announced his retirement, the collective reaction across college football was one of bittersweet admiration. We all knew it was coming—he’s 88 years old, after all—but it still hit hard.

Because when Corso steps away, a piece of the sport goes with him.

There will never be another like him. Not in tone. Not in timing. Not in spirit. He was one of one. And he leaves behind a legacy not just of entertainment, but of connection. He made Saturdays feel like home.

As College GameDay continues without him, it will carry his spirit. The mascot picks may live on. The catchphrases will echo. But there will be a Corso-shaped hole that can’t be filled.

And that’s okay. Legends aren’t meant to be replaced. They’re meant to be remembered.

What We’ll Miss Most

We’ll miss the headgear, of course. But more than that:

• We’ll miss the twinkle in his eye before a big pick.
• We’ll miss the corny jokes and the impromptu dancing.
• We’ll miss the way he brought out the best in the people around him.
• We’ll miss the warmth he gave off, even through a TV screen.

In a world full of cynicism, Corso was pure joy. And that’s something we’ll never stop needing.

Enjoy Retirement, Coach

So here’s to you, Coach Corso.

Thank you for being the face of college football for nearly 40 years. Thank you for showing us that passion doesn’t age. That fun matters. That loving what you do is the key to doing it well.

Thank you for the headgear. The laughs. The tears. The unforgettable moments.

Most of all, thank you for being you—authentic, kind, hilarious, and human.

Enjoy your well-earned retirement. Spend time with your family. Sleep in on Saturdays. Watch the games with your feet up and a smile on your face, knowing that you gave the sport more than anyone ever could have asked.

You didn’t just predict winners—you made memories. You didn’t just entertain—you inspired. And long after the cameras fade, your legacy will live on in every cheer, every chant, and every corner of college football.