For 38 years, Lee Corso has picked up an oversized mascot head every Saturday, hoping for a pleasant day and a bit of downtime.
“It’s terrible. I hate it,” the 90-year-old Corso admitted in a recent conversation. “I can’t watch ‘College Game Day.’ I just can’t adapt to not working anymore. Flying all over was part of my routine. It really sucks.”
His reluctance to retire is understandable; college football and the show were such significant elements of his life before he stepped back in August.
Corso has been part of “College Game Day” since it began in 1987, launching his iconic Headgear Corner in 1996 during a broadcast at Ohio State University.
In his last show on August 30, he correctly predicted that the defending champion Buckeyes would win over the then-top-ranked Texas, ending his selection record at 287 wins to 144 losses.
After ESPN announced his retirement plans in April, Corso expressed gratitude for his nearly 40 years with the network, stating: “I will always cherish the friendships, memories, and unique experiences from my time at ESPN and College GameDay.”
In a touching farewell, Corso donned a tuxedo for his last broadcast, and his colleagues honored him by wearing headgear featuring his face. The network also shared heartfelt messages from fans, coaches, and players, all acknowledging his legendary career.
Before transitioning into media, Corso had a 15-year coaching career at schools like Louisville, Indiana, and Northern Illinois, with a record of 73-85-6.
Corso had a storied playing career at Florida State University in the 1950s, where he earned AP All-America honors in 1956 and was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in 1978.
He also held Florida State’s interception record for over two decades.
