Lee Corso, the beloved face of Saturday mornings and a broadcasting icon whose infectious enthusiasm helped define ESPN’s College GameDay, announced his retirement earlier this spring—and confirmed that his final show will air on Saturday, August 30, 2025, live from Easterwood Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, before the marquee season-opener between Ohio State and Texas
A Quarter-Century Quarterbacking Saturday Mornings
Lee Corso joined ESPN’s inaugural “College GameDay” in 1987 as part of the founding cast. Over the last 38 seasons, he became the heart and soul of the program His larger-than-life personality, razor-sharp wit, and most famously, his legendary headgear picks, elevated college football broadcasts into national theater. In October 1996, Corso began the tradition of ending each show by placing a helmet or mascot head on his own — symbolizing his prediction — a ritual he performed 430 times, with a remarkable 286–144 record
His trademark phrase, “Not so fast, my friend!”, often delivered with a gleaming Dixon Ticonderoga No. 2 pencil in hand, became a weekly ritual — one that fans and co-hosts alike greeted with anticipation, excitement, and laughter
The August 30 Farewell: GameDay Returns to Columbus
ESPN has confirmed that Corso’s final appearance on College GameDay will take place on August 30, kicking off Week 1 of the 2025 college football season . They’re planning a special tribute segment in the days leading up to the show, culminating in a final headgear pick — the same iconic gesture he’s made for nearly three decades
The location couldn’t be more fitting: Ohio Stadium, the site where Corso first donned headgear — and where the headgear tradition began That campus has hosted GameDay 26 times, making it the perfect stage for a farewell performances
Reflection from a Football Life Well-Lived
At 89 years old (turning 90 on August 7, 2025), Corso’s decision comes as he completes nearly four decades of influencing college football culture After suffering a major stroke in 2009, Corso dramatically returned to the spotlight—though with some adjustments. His raw ad‑libs may be more scripted now, but his spirit remains indomitable
In his announcement, Corso expressed heartfelt gratitude:
“My family and I will be forever indebted for the opportunity to be part of ESPN and College GameDay for nearly 40 years… I have a treasure of many friends, fond memories and some unusual experiences to take with me into retirement.
Tributes from the Team
Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN’s chairman, described Corso as “one of the most influential and beloved figures in the history of college football,” pledging to honor his legacy during the August broadcast .
Kirk Herbstreit, Kirk’s longtime on-air partner, called him a “second father” and a rare broadcasting talent whose mentorship shaped an era .
Chris Fowler, original GameDay host, reflected on Corso’s electrifying presence and unwavering passion. He emphasized that Corso’s flair and football intellect helped propel GameDay into the national spotlight .
Rece Davis, current host, highlighted Corso’s caring nature—always asking about families, celebrating small wins, and reinforcing that at its core, Corso remained a coach at heart .
Legacy Beyond Headlines
Corso’s influence extends beyond GameDay. He had a 28-year career as a coach, including stints at Louisville, Indiana, and Northern Illinois — and even a season in the USFL before transitioning to television His signature headgear gambit began on October 5, 1996, outside Ohio Stadium, but his storytelling — the antics, humor, and showmanship — made college football feel magical
The headgear barometer, with 69 different schools represented and a .665 success rate in predictions, was both absurd and compelling — always unpredictable, always a highlight.
A Final Curtain Call for an Era
The August 30 farewell is more than one last show — it’s the end of an era. Once he’s gone, no one else carries that legacy of goofy unpredictability, infectious joy, and deep love for the sport. There will be new analysis, new personalities, but none quite like Corso.
What to Expect:
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A special tribute segment across ESPN programming building to the final show
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August 30 broadcast from Ohio Stadium, honoring Corso’s first-ever location for GameDay’s headgear debut .
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A final headgear pick, closing the book on 430 selections dating back to 1996
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Reflections from longtime co-hosts—Herbstreit, Fowler, Davis—and the fans who grew up with Corso.
A Television Legend Signs Off
Lee Corso’s retirement marks the end of a cultural phenomenon. From college coach to household name, Corso transformed GameDay into theater. His final show is a capstone — a heartfelt goodbye to the man who taught us it’s okay to laugh, care, and go all-in on Saturdays.
Tune in Saturday, August 30, 2025, from Ohio State vs. Texas. The headgear goes on one last time. Not so fast, my friend — Lee Corso, we’ll miss you.
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