ESPN has plans for a major sendoff for legendary host Lee Corso during his final "College GameDay" show.
ESPN Makes Big Request Ahead of Lee Corso’s Final ‘College GameDay’ Appearance originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
While the first week of every college football season is highly anticipated because of the ending of the sport’s seven-month hiatus, it’s also buzzworthy because of the return of ESPN’s “College GameDay.”
The popular college football pregame show has many faces who’ve become synonymous with the sport including hosts Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Pat McAfee, Nick Saban, and Desmond Howard, but for 38 years, one host has stood out among all the others — Lee Corso.
The 89-year-old Corso has been a college football fixture for nearly four decades as the face of “College GameDay” since the show’s inception in 1987.
His weekly headgear picks became a weekend tradition, his “Not so fast, my friend” catchphrase and quirky commentary not only made the program must-see television, it also helped make it the No. 1 college football pregame show on the airwaves.
And while Corso has made many great memories over the years, his time on “College GameDay” is coming to an end. ESPN announced over the summer that Corso would be saying goodbye next season with his final appearance coming on Aug. 30 during the opening week of the 2025 season.
“I have a treasure of many friends, fond memories and some unusual experiences to take with me into retirement,” Corso said in a release. “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.’
“… 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.”
In preparation of Corso’s swan song, ESPN wants to send him off the right way, and it took to social media to ask “College GameDay” fans for some help.
“As we get ready to celebrate Lee Corso's final show on College GameDay, here is your chance to share a personal message to Coach ❤️ Submit your video by August 15, more information here: http://spr.ly/6019frV7z,” the official “College GameDay” X account posted on Tuesday.
As we get ready to celebrate Lee Corso's final show on College GameDay, here is your chance to share a personal message to Coach ❤️
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) July 29, 2025
Submit your video by August 15, more information here: https://t.co/QylR2AZ6Bq
Corso has had many memorable moments on the show, giving fans an ample amount of laughter and entertainment.
Over the course of his “College GameDay” career, he’s made 430 headgear picks spanning 69 different teams, including a record 45 selections for the Ohio State Buckeyes, and he’s traveled to more than 70 campuses.
The program has also earned nine Sports Emmy awards during Corso’s tenure in the Most Outstanding Show — Weekly category.
Related: Kirk Herbstreit Gets Emotional Talking About Lee Corso Retirement for First Time
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
