This Saturday will be Lee Corso’s final appearance on ESPN’s College GameDay show.
It’s the end of an era for ESPN. Lee Corso has been on GameDay since the show started in 1987. Known for his catchphrases, a No. 2 pencil, and headgear segment, he knew his role, and he played it well.
Catchphrase
‘Not so fast, my friend’ became his most iconic catchphrase when he didn’t agree with another analyst’s game-winner prediction. No one says “sweetheart” as sweet or as cheeky as Corso.
But his best catchphrase was in 2011 when he dropped a four-letter word.
Corso always said, “It’s entertainment, sweetheart, and football is our vehicle.”
No. 2 Pencil
You may not have noticed that Corso always had a No. 2 pencil for most segments. The pencil wasn’t just for taking notes—it was marketing. In the offseason, Corso was the director of business development for Dixon Ticonderoga, which makes those famous yellow No. 2 pencils.
Headgear
Corso was most known for ending College GameDay with his headgear prediction. Corso would choose the team he thought would win at the GameDay site, put on the school’s mascot headpiece, and give you that sweet wave with his hand. This tradition started in 1996 in Columbus, Ohio, when he got the idea to don the OSU Buckeye mascot head. GameDay analyst Kirk Herbstreit, a former OSU QB who married an OSU cheerleader, still had OSU connections. They made the headgear segment happen, and for almost thirty years, we have been entertained with Corso’s game predictions. As of the end of the 2024 season, Corso has an overall record of 284–142 (.667) in headgear picks.
Corso and Herbstreit
In 2009, Corso suffered a stroke, leaving him unable to speak. However, he returned to the show in 2010. His travel has been limited in recent years, but ESPN has been very kind and considerate of his health and age to keep him a part of the show. Corso said:
“ESPN has been exceptionally generous to me, especially these past few years. They accommodated me and supported me, as did my colleagues in the early days of College GameDay. Special thanks to Kirk Herbstreit for his friendship and encouragement. And lest I forget, the fans… truly a blessing to share this with them. ESPN gave me this wonderful opportunity and provided me the support to ensure success. I am genuinely grateful.”
One of the sweetest friendships in broadcasting has been the relationship between Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso. They have worked together on College GameDay since 1996. Corso was a mentor to Herbstreit 30 years ago. When Corso started to really show his age, Herbstreit was always next to him. He was patient with Corso, letting him talk and carrying him when he struggled. In 2024, Herbstreit’s dog, Ben, passed away, and he broke down on air. Corso was the one to comfort him. The love and respect they have for each other is a reflection of a genuine friendship. Their bond has been beautiful to watch for all these years.
Saturday
Corso turned 90 earlier this month and announced he would be retiring from broadcasting back in April. We’re just glad we get one more Saturday with Corso. GameDay will be in Columbus, Ohio, for Week 1 to cover the Texas and Ohio State game on Saturday. This will be Corso’s final appearance. Corso made fall Saturday mornings special. He was a one of one. Thank you, sweetheart, for decades of entertainment and for showing us that friendship knows no age. We’re going to miss you.
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