Jobaaj Stories
Lee Corso to Retire from ESPN's College GameDay After Nearly 40 Years
A Legendary Run in College Football Broadcasting :
Lee Corso, one of the most beloved figures in college football media, will step away from ESPN’s College GameDay at the end of August 2025. His final show is scheduled for August 30, just one day before his 90th birthday. After nearly four decades on the air, Corso’s retirement will close a major chapter in college football history.
Corso has been with College GameDay since it first aired in 1987. Throughout the years, his wit, passion, and enthusiasm helped shape the show into one of the most popular programs in sports television.
In a heartfelt message, Corso said, “My family and I will always be grateful for the chance to be a part of ESPN and College GameDay for nearly 40 years. I’m walking away with great memories, incredible friendships, and more than a few wild moments.”
Making Headgear Picks a GameDay Tradition
One of Corso’s most iconic contributions to College GameDay is his tradition of wearing mascot headgear to predict the winner of each week’s featured matchup. What began as a fun moment in 1995 quickly became a fan-favorite segment.
Over the years, Corso has made 430 headgear picks, and his prediction record stands at 286 wins and 144 losses. He’s worn the headgear of 69 different teams, with Ohio State being his top choice at 45 times. Other frequent picks include Alabama, LSU, Florida, and Oregon.
His headgear moments have included everything from dressing as Notre Dame’s leprechaun to even portraying Benjamin Franklin when he picked Temple. These unpredictable and entertaining picks helped make him a legend among fans.
A True Fighter On and Off the Set
In 2009, Corso suffered a stroke that affected his ability to speak clearly. Despite the challenge, he returned to the show later that year and remained a central figure, showing resilience and dedication that inspired both colleagues and viewers.
While recent years have seen him travel less due to health, he stayed active on the show and even appeared in-person at last year’s national championship game in Atlanta. Corso often credited ESPN for standing by him through those difficult times, saying, “They’ve been incredibly kind to me, especially in recent years.”
ESPN Plans a Special Send-Off
ESPN has announced that it will celebrate Corso’s career with a series of special tributes leading up to his final episode. The network plans to air highlight reels, behind-the-scenes moments, and guest appearances to honor his impact.
“Lee Corso has connected with generations of fans through his charm, insight, and unforgettable headgear picks,” said ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro. “He’s not just a part of College GameDay — he’s the heart of it.”
