After decades of entertaining college football fans across the nation, Lee Corso is set to retire from ESPN’s beloved College GameDay following the 2025 season opener during Labor Day weekend. This marks the end of an era for one of the most iconic figures in college football broadcasting. For over 40 years, Corso has been a fixture on Saturday mornings, traveling from campus to campus, hyping up fans and offering his unforgettable insights into the biggest games of the week.
College GameDay has been the gold standard in college football pregame shows. While other networks have tried to replicate its success, nothing comes close to the electric atmosphere that Corso and his fellow panelists have created. Fans eagerly tune in each week not just for expert analysis but for the energy, excitement, and entertainment that come with it. From the moment the show arrives on a college campus, it’s a spectacle—fans flood in, eager to be part of the madness that has become a fall tradition.
For many, the heart and soul of GameDay has always been the panel: host Rece Davis, along with analysts Desmond Howard, Kirk Herbstreit, and of course, Lee Corso. Together, they’ve built a bond over the years that resonates with fans of all ages. Known for his playful banter and passion for the game, Corso became a fan favorite, especially for his famous headgear picks—those dramatic moments when he would put on a mascot’s headgear to predict the outcome of the weekend’s biggest game. It’s a segment that has become one of the most anticipated moments on the show, and it’s hard to imagine GameDay without it.
“Lee Corso has developed a special connection to generations of fans through his entertaining style and iconic headgear picks,” said Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN Chairman. “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.”
Corso’s colorful commentary and iconic catchphrase, “Not so fast, my friend,” will forever be etched in the memories of fans. His departure will leave a massive void, and though his retirement is well-earned at 90 years old, it will undoubtedly feel different not seeing him each week.