College GameDay legend set to make his final pick at the start of the 2025 season

“My family and I will be forever indebted for the opportunity to be part of ESPN and College GameDay for nearly 40 years,” Corso said in an ESPN statement. “I have a treasure of many friends, fond memories and some unusual experiences to take with me into retirement,” Corso said per ESPN. 

“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.”

Corso first began his headgear bit in October 1995, picking Ohio State to win over Penn State. From there, he went 286-144 in his 430 selection. 

"Lee Corso has developed a special connection to generations of fans through his entertaining style and iconic headgear picks," ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said. "Lee is one of the most influential and beloved figures in the history of college football and our ESPN team will celebrate his legendary career during his final College GameDay appearance this August."

Corso's College GameDay co-host Kirk Herbstreit also released a statement, celebrating their iconic run together that began in 1996. 

"Coach Corso has had an iconic run in broadcasting, and we're all lucky to have been around to witness it," Herbstreit said. "He has taught me so much throughout our time together, and he's been like a second father to me. It has been my absolute honor to have the best seat in the house to watch Coach put on that mascot head each week."

Corso played college football at Florida State from 1953 to 1957 at the quarterback and cornerback position. He then went on to coach at Florida State, Maryland, Navy, Louisville, Northern Illinois, and the Orlando Renegades before making his transition to broadcasting.