Legendary Lee Corso to Hang Up His Headgear: College GameDay Icon Announces Retirement

The curtain is closing on a true college football legend.

After almost 40 years of electrifying Saturday mornings, Lee Corso, now 89, has announced he will retire from ESPN's "College GameDay" after one last show this August 30th. His final broadcast will mark the end of an era that, honestly, most of us can't imagine Saturdays without.

In his statement, Corso reflected on his decades at ESPN, calling the experience a treasure trove of friends, memories, and—let's be honest—more than a few "unusual experiences." He specifically thanked ESPN for their support, especially during his later years, and gave a heartfelt shoutout to his longtime colleagues who helped shape the early days of College GameDay.

Corso first joined ESPN back in 1987, and, for now, he stands as the last original on-air personality from the show's debut. He took on a full-time analyst role two years later and has been a staple of the broadcast ever since. In his farewell, he singled out Kirk Herbstreit for his friendship and encouragement over their nearly 30 years together, and he didn't forget the fans—calling them "truly a blessing." It's not every day you see someone so universally beloved in sports media, especially after that many seasons.

Of course, Corso's legacy isn't just about stats or analysis. He's famous for his theatrical headgear picks, a tradition he kicked off in 1995 at an Ohio State game, and for the iconic catchphrase, "Not so fast, my friend." You couldn't help but smile the moment he reached for a mascot head—no matter how wild the pick.

Tributes poured in across social media as fans and colleagues reacted to the news. Kirk Herbstreit, his right-hand man for decades, shared a touching video message, saying, "I just wanted to say I love you... Almost 30 years together, I’ve enjoyed sitting next to you watching you do your thing. So much fun. We’ve had so many great moments on the show, off the show. You’re an icon. You’re a once-in-a-lifetime person, once-in-a-lifetime broadcaster."

With Corso set to take his final bow at age 90, college football will lose one of its most colorful, beloved personalities. Saturdays just won't have the same sparkle without his trademark grin and unpredictable picks. The headgear might get passed on, but let’s be real—there’s only one Lee Corso.