​On October 5, 1996, Lee Corso made his first headgear pick on ESPN’s College GameDay, choosing Ohio State over Penn State by donning the Brutus Buckeye mascot head.

It was October 5, 1996. The air was crisp, the crowd energized, and College GameDay was buzzing on the campus of Ohio State University. It was business as usual for the college football pregame show, which was steadily growing into a cultural phenomenon. But that Saturday marked a shift—one that no one could’ve predicted would become one of the most beloved traditions in all of college sports.

In the final segment of the show, analyst Lee Corso, with a playful twinkle in his eye, reached under the desk and pulled out a large Brutus Buckeye mascot head. To the delight of the Ohio State faithful, he placed it on his head, making it official: he was picking the Buckeyes to beat Penn State. And just like that, a legendary tradition was born.

Nearly three decades later, that single, unscripted act has become a staple of college football Saturdays. Here’s how one goofy, unforgettable moment launched a legacy.

A Moment That Changed the Show

Before 1996, College GameDay was a popular show, but it hadn’t yet captured the theatrical, fan-centered energy that defines it today. The set traveled to campus locations, analysts debated passionately, and fans gathered with signs in the background. But it was still a pregame show at its core—focused on analysis and predictions, not entertainment.

That all changed thanks to Corso’s Brutus Buckeye pick.

Corso, known even then for his animated personality and love for showmanship, had an idea to spice up the final pick segment. He wanted to do something that connected with the fans and left a lasting impression. Ohio State’s campus provided the perfect stage, and Brutus Buckeye was the perfect character.

As Corso hoisted the giant foam head over his own and the crowd erupted, College GameDay was never the same. The reaction was immediate and electric. Fans loved it. Producers loved it. And Corso? He had found his signature.

Why It Worked: Corso’s Unique Flair

There’s something uniquely genuine about Lee Corso. He’s not just a broadcaster—he’s a performer, an entertainer, and a true ambassador of college football. From his days as a head coach at Louisville and Indiana to his time in the booth, Corso always had a flair for the dramatic.

The headgear pick worked because it wasn’t just about choosing a team—it was about making a moment. And Corso understood that deeply.

Every time he dons a mascot head, it’s more than just a pick; it’s theater. It’s comedy, suspense, surprise, and celebration rolled into one. Over the years, he’s worn everything from Uga the Bulldog to Puddles the Duck to Bevo the Longhorn. But it all started with Brutus.

That first pick wasn’t just a fun gag—it was a declaration of what GameDay could be: unpredictable, joyful, and full of personality.

The Power of the Mascot Head

After that first pick, Corso began incorporating headgear into every week’s finale. What started as a one-time stunt quickly became the most anticipated moment of the show. Fans would gather hours in advance to catch a glimpse of the pick. Students would show up in full costume, holding signs begging Corso to pick their school. Even opposing fans would wait eagerly to see whether their team would earn his nod—or face the theatrical snub of being passed over.

The headgear pick is more than just a prediction; it’s a ceremony.

• It’s suspenseful. Corso drags out the decision, often teasing one school before pivoting dramatically to another.
• It’s emotional. Teams that get the pick often erupt with cheers. Players watch from the locker room. Alumni flood social media.
• It’s symbolic. When Corso puts on that head, it’s like college football royalty blessing your team.

All of this started on that fall day in Columbus, Ohio.

Memorable Picks Through the Years

While the Brutus Buckeye pick started it all, there have been dozens of unforgettable headgear moments since:

• Oregon (2007): Corso revealed Puddles the Duck, then proceeded to ride in on a Harley Davidson.
• Florida State (2013): As a proud FSU alum, Corso sometimes saves his most spirited performances for the Seminoles. One year, he popped out of a makeshift teepee in full Chief Osceola gear.
• Alabama vs. LSU (2011): Corso faked everyone out by wearing the elephant head—then threw it aside and grabbed the tiger head, flipping his pick to LSU.
• Washington State (2018): After years of waiting, the Cougars finally hosted GameDay. Corso picked Wazzu, and the place exploded. It was pure joy.

But through every pick, fans always remember the very first. The one that started it all with a simple Brutus Buckeye nod.

The Cultural Impact of Corso’s Picks

Today, Corso’s headgear pick is as synonymous with college football as the Rose Bowl or “The Play.” It’s a tradition that transcends generations and creates weekly watercooler moments across the country. Kids grow up waiting for it. Parents pass the love of the tradition down. And players? They absolutely watch.

Coaches have even made light of it during press conferences.

“If Coach Corso picks us this week, we’ve gotta back him up,” one head coach once said. “We can’t make him look bad on national TV!”

In a world of sports where controversy, realignment, and business sometimes cloud the fun, Corso’s pick is a consistent reminder of what makes college football so special. It’s passionate. It’s unpredictable. And it’s rooted in community.

The Man Behind the Mascot

As Corso has aged, his role on GameDay has understandably evolved. Health challenges in recent years have limited his mobility and speech, but his spirit? Untouched. Producers have adapted segments, co-hosts lend support, and fans remain as enthusiastic as ever to see him each Saturday.

His dedication to the show and to the fans never wavers. Whether he’s on set or appearing remotely from his home studio, Corso continues to bring that same love of the game that made him a staple since 1987.

And when that headgear moment comes, the set still goes quiet with anticipation. Will he pick the home team? Will he fake everyone out? What prop will he use this time?

Even after all these years, it still matters.

Legacy of a Moment

It’s hard to imagine College GameDay without Lee Corso’s headgear pick. What began on a whim has turned into an institution, with that first Brutus Buckeye moment etched forever in the sport’s memory.

For Ohio State fans, they’ll always have the honor of being “the first.” For everyone else, they know that each week brings another chance for the magic to return.

In many ways, that’s what Corso gave us—more than laughs, more than predictions. He gave college football a weekly ritual that brings people together, invites us to be kids again, and reminds us that the sport we love is still, at its core, about passion and pageantry.

 One Mascot, Endless Memories

October 5, 1996, may seem like just another date in college football history, but it marks a turning point that gave the sport one of its most cherished traditions. Lee Corso putting on the Brutus Buckeye head wasn’t just a pick—it was the beginning of a legacy.

As Corso’s career winds down and fans celebrate his contributions, we’re reminded that sometimes, the smallest ideas leave the biggest impact. A simple mascot head, a legendary coach turned broadcaster, and a shared love of the game—that’s the magic of college football.

And it all started with one pick, one headgear, and one unforgettable moment.

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