Legendary ESPN broadcaster Lee Corso will soon be stepping down from his beloved role on ‘College Gameday.’
Since suffering a stroke back in 2009, Corso’s appearances on College GameDay have steadily declined in the ensuing seasons – with concerns being raised about his wellbeing. During the first half of the 2024 campaign, he was forced to miss a handful of ‘College GameDay’ shows. Ahead of the SEC Championship Game, ESPN’s Rece Davis revealed that his co-host underwent a “minor procedure” but is “doing great.”
Then in December, Corso was unable to travel to South Bend, Indiana for the ‘College GameDay’ broadcast of Notre Dame’s opening playoff game versus Indiana. Ahead of the Fighting Irish’s faceoff against Penn State in the Orange Bowl, he returned to set dressed in a leprechaun outfit – but took a tumble live on-air.
On Thursday, Corso announced that his final broadcast on the program will take place on August 30 – the opening week of the 2025 college football campaign. The soon-to-be 90-year-old has spent 38 seasons on ‘College Gameday,’ which was founded back in 1987.
“My family and I will be forever indebted for the opportunity to be part of ESPN and College GameDay for nearly 40 years,” Corso said in an official statement shared by ESPN. “I have a treasure of many friends, fond memories and some unusual experiences to take with me into retirement.”
Over the years, Corso captured the hearts of fans thanks to his recurring headgear picks segment. While donning team helmets, mascot heads and full blown uniforms, he’d share his winner for the upcoming games – boasting a stellar record of 286-144 in his career.
“Lee Corso has developed a special connection to generations of fans through his entertaining style and iconic headgear picks,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said. “Lee is one of the most influential and beloved figures in the history of college football and our ESPN team will celebrate his legendary career during his final College GameDay appearance this August.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Corso was able to attend the 2025 National Championship Game in Atlanta, where he appeared to be jovial ahead of Ohio State’s 34-23 win over Notre Dame. “ESPN has been exceptionally generous to me, especially these past few years,” Corso said. “They accommodated me and supported me, as did my colleagues in the early days of College GameDay.
“Special thanks to Kirk Herbstreit for his friendship and encouragement. And lest I forget, the fans … truly a blessing to share this with them. ESPN gave me this wonderful opportunity and provided me the support to ensure success. I am genuinely grateful.”
News of Corso’s impending departure was met with an outpouring of support from his colleagues. “Coach Corso has had an iconic run in broadcasting, and we’re all lucky to have been around to witness it,” Herbstreit said. “He has taught me so much throughout our time together, and he’s been like a second father to me. It has been my absolute honor to have the best seat in the house to watch Coach put on that mascot head each week.”
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Added Davis: “Lee is the quintessential entertainer, but he was also a remarkable coach who established lifelong connections with his players. When GameDay went to Indiana last season, the love and emotion that poured out from his players was truly moving. It was also unsurprising.
“Every week, Lee asks about our families. He asks for specifics. He celebrates success and moments, big and small, with all of us on the set. He’s relentless in his encouragement. That’s what a great coach, and friend, does. Lee has made it his life’s work to bring joy to others on the field and on television. He succeeded.”
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
