Lee Corso made a memorable exit from ESPN’s College GameDay this past Saturday. After 38 years on the show, he picked Ohio State to win against Texas while wearing the Brutus Buckeye mascot head. This moment echoed back to his very first headgear pick nearly three decades ago.
As he made his final prediction, the Ohio State marching band honored him by spelling out his name on the field. Ohio State defended its home turf, winning the game 14-7, just like Corso had forecasted. Earlier in the day, he also correctly predicted an upset by his alma mater, Florida State, who bested No. 8 Alabama 31-17.
Corso’s retirement marks the end of an era. He announced his decision earlier this year, shortly before his 90th birthday. His journey in college football spans back to 1957, making his contributions significant over the decades. Fans and colleagues celebrated him throughout the day, showing videos and sharing tributes.
Ohio State’s stadium was the perfect backdrop for this final show. It was where Corso made his first headgear choice in 1996, when the Buckeyes first impressed him against Penn State. Interestingly, Ohio State has been featured on College GameDay more than any other school, with 27 appearances, underlining its rich football culture.
During his long career, Corso made an impressive 430 headgear picks, winning nearly 67% of the time. This statistic highlights not only his intuition but also the connection he built with fans over the years.
Corso’s legacy isn’t just about predictions. He was a pivotal figure in bringing excitement to college football. His signature phrase, “Not so fast, my friend,” became iconic among viewers. As fans took to social media to celebrate his career, it was clear how much he meant to the sport.
In conclusion, Corso’s final appearance was a celebration of his decades of service to college football. His impact will be felt for years to come, reminding us of the passion and unpredictability of college sports.
For further context, you can view ESPN’s official tribute to Corso here.
