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Paul Finebaum Weighs In on Who Could Carry On Lee Corso’s 'College GameDay' Headgear Tradition
© Brett Davis-Imagn Images

It's the end of an era. The 2025 college football season will be the last for Lee Corso on ESPN's "College GameDay." This flagship show has been a staple of Saturday mornings as fans anticipate the start of the day's games.

The show started in 1987, first being broadcast from a studio before hitting the road for the first time in 1993. The only individual who has been with the show through all its changes and turnover is Corso. He is especially known for his headgear predictions, during which he puts on the mascot head of the team he believes will win that weekend's marquee game.

Corso, who turned 90 on Aug. 7, made his first headgear prediction in 1996 when he put on the head of Brutus Buckeye, predicting that the Ohio State Buckeyes would defeat the Penn State Nittany Lions. Ohio State went on to win the game 38-7, marking the beginning of this beloved tradition. Since then, the Buckeyes have become his most frequently chosen team. According to ESPN, Corso has an impressive record of 286-144 in his headgear predictions.

On "The Paul Finebaum Show," the SEC Network analyst predicted who will take over the headgear tradition.

"I don't think [Nick] Saban will," Finebaum said. "That's not really Saban's lane. I think they already have the guy there who is perfect for it, and that's [Pat] McAfee."

Rece Davis Thinks the Headgear Tradition Should Stop with Lee Corso

While McAfee's energy could align well with the headgear tradition, his co-worker, Rece Davis, said no one should continue it.

"I think I'm going to have to tackle anybody that tries to do a headgear pick other than Lee Corso," Davis previously said. "That, to me, is his signature moment, and it should stay with him, in my judgment. I will fight very hard not to be overruled or vetoed on that. Many people tell me it's something they look forward to every week, and I think that it's his, and his alone."

ESPN has not announced its plans following Corso's final game. It remains unclear whether the headgear tradition will end, a new tradition will begin or if someone will carry on this iconic tradition.

'College GameDay' Co-Workers Voice Admiration for Lee Corso

While fans will remember Corso's impact with headgear picks, his co-workers emphasized the influence he has had as a person, including legendary head coach and Corso's newest co-worker, former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban.

“Lee Corso is a phenomenal person,” Saban previously said. “A real professional has been a part of the show and the tradition of the show for 20-something years. We’re all gonna miss him.”

Corso's closest colleague is probably fellow "GameDay" panelist Kirk Herbstreit. Fans enjoy the almost father-son chemistry they share. Herbstreit became emotional when he first discussed Corso's retirement.

“We all had a chance to see him behind the scenes and work with him, and obviously had so much fun," Herbstreit previously said. "It’s a tough thing to accept. I’ve talked with him quite a bit over the last week or so, I think the best thing I can say — and I’ve said this on social media — he’s at peace with his decision and where he is."

Herbstreit concluded by stating that Corso has had an incredible run; he’s one of the best, and they love him. He said they can’t wait to share the desk with him one last time in Columbus, Ohio, for Week 1.

Corso's final appearance will take place on Aug. 30. The "College GameDay" episode will run its normal three-hour show from 9 a.m. to noon ET, celebrating Corso’s remarkable career while previewing the day's biggest games.

The show will conclude with him wearing either the Buckeye mascot head, just as he did nearly 30 years ago for the first time, or choosing the Texas Longhorns, who are ranked No. 1 in the country.

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

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