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Retirement of Lee Corso, Legendary ESPN College GameDay Analyst
Legendary ESPN College GameDay analyst Lee Corso is expected to retire from the show this year, marking the end of a career spanning nearly five decades. The announcement signals a significant transition for the iconic college football program.
A Storied Career at College GameDay
Corso, who will turn 90 on August 7, originally joined College GameDay in 1987, quickly becoming a beloved and integral part of the broadcast team. His insightful commentary and engaging personality resonated with millions of college football enthusiasts.
The celebrated broadcaster is slated to retire following Week 1 of the 2025 college football season, with his final broadcast scheduled for August 30. This farewell show is anticipated to be a momentous occasion for fans and colleagues alike.
‘My family and I will be eternally grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of ESPN and College GameDay for almost 40 years,’ Corso stated in a statement released by the network. ‘I have a wealth of friendships, cherished memories, and some unique experiences that I will carry with me into retirement.’
Signature Headgear Picks and Catchphrase
Corso is perhaps best recognized for his signature headgear selections on College GameDay. This popular segment involves him donning the mascot headgear of the team he forecasts to win the featured game. His enthusiastic predictions have become a highly anticipated staple of the show.
ESPN College GameDay analyst Lee Corso to retire after nearly five decades on the program.
Corso, 89, renowned for his trademark headgear picks, a fan favorite segment on College GameDay.
The fan-favorite headgear segment originated in October 1995. Beyond mascot heads and helmets, Corso has also been known to impersonate various figures, including the Notre Dame Fighting Irish leprechaun, the Stanford tree, and historical figures such as Benjamin Franklin and James Madison.
Tributes and Farewell Plans
‘Lee Corso has cultivated a unique bond with generations of fans through his entertaining style and signature headgear selections,’ commented ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro. ‘Lee is among the most influential and cherished personalities in college football history, and ESPN will commemorate his illustrious career during his farewell College GameDay appearance this August.’
ESPN has announced special programming is planned to honor Corso’s contributions to the network leading up to his farewell weekend and final broadcast. Details of these tributes will be forthcoming.
The seasoned commentator experienced a stroke in 2009 but admirably rejoined College GameDay later that year. While reducing his travel schedule in recent years, Corso’s dedication to the program remained steadfast, demonstrated by his presence at last season’s national championship game in Atlanta.
‘ESPN has been incredibly generous to me, particularly in recent years,’ he continued. ‘They have provided me with accommodations and ongoing support, as have my colleagues since the early days of College GameDay.’