Lee Corso Bids Farewell to ESPN’s "College GameDay" After Nearly 40 Years

Lee Corso is set to retire from ESPN’s “College GameDay” this August, concluding a remarkable journey that began in 1987. In a heartfelt statement shared by ESPN, Corso expressed his gratitude, saying, “My family and I will be forever indebted for the opportunity to be part of ESPN and College GameDay for nearly 40 years.” He reflected on the countless friendships, fond memories, and unique experiences he will cherish as he steps into retirement.

Approaching his 90th birthday on August 7, Corso is famed for his “headgear picks” and the iconic “not so fast, my friend” catchphrase, used when he disagreed with his fellow panelists. Since introducing the headgear segment in October 1995, he has amassed an impressive 286-144 record across 430 selections. Beyond just donning helmets and mascot heads, Corso has embodied characters like the Notre Dame Fighting Irish leprechaun, the Stanford tree, and even historical legends such as James Madison and Benjamin Franklin. His fondness for the Oregon Duck even led him to take a spin on a motorcycle with the mascot.

ESPN has announced August 30 as the date for Corso’s final broadcast, with special programming scheduled to honor his legacy. Despite suffering a stroke in 2009, Corso courageously returned to the show later that year, continuing to contribute significantly to the rise in college football’s popularity. Today, he stands as one of the most cherished figures in the sport.