Longtime ESPN college football broadcaster Lee Corso, 89, is set to retire after his final appearance on College GameDay in August, marking the end of his nearly 40-year career with the show. Corso, a former college football and USFL coach, as well as a Florida State quarterback, first joined the show in 1987. Known for his energetic analysis and signature headgear picks representing college team mascots, Corso has made 430 headgear selections, with 286 correct predictions, including a record 45 picks for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro praised Corso's impact on college football broadcasting, citing his special connection with fans and iconic headgear picks. College GameDay, under Corso's tenure, won nine Sports Emmy awards and visited over 70 campuses and game sites. Fellow broadcaster Kirk Herbstreit expressed admiration for Corso, highlighting the mentorship and guidance he received, describing Corso as a significant figure in the history of college football broadcasting. The network plans to honor Corso's legendary career during his final College GameDay appearance this August, where he will make his last headgear pick for the 2025 college football season.