Just a month before his last appearance on College GameDay, Lee Corso received a heartfelt tribute at the ESPYS. ESPN celebrated the legend with a special video and a lively performance by the USC marching band, joined by Kirk Herbstreit, Pat McAfee, and Desmond Howard.
Corso, who announced his retirement this summer, still has one show left. On Week 1, College GameDay will head to Columbus for the highly anticipated game between Ohio State and Texas. It’s fitting since Brutus, the Ohio State mascot, was the first headgear Corso famously donned on the show.
After nearly 40 years in TV, Corso is preparing to say goodbye. He expressed deep gratitude for the tribute and beamed as the USC band played the show’s theme song.
“I’m honored to be here tonight,” he told the audience at the Dolby Theatre. “I want to thank ESPN for this opportunity. My goal has always been to bring smiles to faces. I hope I’ve done that. A special thanks to my wife, Betsy, for 69 wonderful years together.”
With Corso’s retirement, ESPN plans special programming to celebrate his legacy leading up to the Ohio State game. This marks a significant moment for College GameDay as he is the last original panelist to leave. Kirk Herbstreit, who joined in 1995, reflected on Corso’s impact, likening him to Charles Barkley on the TNT show: unique and irreplaceable.
Lee Corso will turn 90 next month. He has faced health challenges in recent years, missing some shows. Yet, his spirit has always shone through when he was able to return. As he prepares for his final sign-off on August 30, his influence on sports commentary is undeniable.
In a recent survey, 78% of college football fans stated they would miss Corso’s signature predictions and mascot headgear antics. His humor and warmth have left an indelible mark on the show and its viewers, making his departure a bittersweet moment for many.
As we reflect on Corso’s storied career, it’s clear that he not only shaped College GameDay but also became a beloved figure in sports culture. You can read more about his journey and milestones in this tribute from ESPN.
