Kirk Herbstreit Brought to Tears While Sending Message to Lee Corso Before Final 'College GameDay'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kevin Borba | Last updated Aug 23, 2025 6:00 AM ET

Next Saturday's edition of ESPN's "College GameDay" will be a bittersweet moment for those who love college football.

While the return of the beloved crew featuring Rece Davis, Desmond Howard, Nick Saban, Pat McAfee, Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso marks the official return of college football, it will also have a somber ending. Corso, who turned 90 earlier this month, will be stepping away from the show after being a part of it since it first started back in 1987.

In that span, Corso has made 430 of his iconic headgear selections, where he dons the mascot head of who he thinks will win game of the week. He has also won nine Emmys, fired off his "not so fast, my friend" catchphrase hundreds of times and also overcame the aftereffects of suffering a stroke in 2009.

Although fans around the country are sad to see Corso go, it may be hard to find someone who will be as sad as his longtime sidekick, Kirk Herbstreit.

Kirk Herbstreit's Message to Lee Corso Before Final "College GameDay"

In a video shared to X by ESPN, featuring his co-hosts, coaches and celebrities from years past, Corso was showered with kind words as they expressed how much he means to college football.

When it came to Herbstreit, who is known for being the closest to Corso, he was brought to tears when wishing the former Indiana coach farewell.

From colleagues, to guest pickers, fans and beyond, those around the college football community share what Lee Corso means to them.

We love you, Coach pic.twitter.com/jFgiANfVlu
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) August 23, 2025

"It's been an incredible...an incredible honor," Herbstreit said. "And a privilege to be with you, to be your partner for all these years. They'll never be another Lee Corso. Thank you for everything you've done for me...For this show...For this sport. You're one of one. Love you bud."

Where Will Lee Corso's Final "College GameDay" be?

Lee Corso will finish his tenure with "College GameDay," where his headgear tradition actually began in 1996, which was at Ohio State. He and the crew will be on hand for the clash between the No. 1 Texas Longhorns and No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes.

In his 430 headgear selections, Corso has gone an impressive 286-144 according to ESPN, meaning he's correct 66% of the time.

Whether or not Corso's final headgear pick will be like his first one, which was Ohio State, is unclear. However, we do know that next Saturday will be filled with emotion.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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