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Dick Vitale Reveals His Wish for Lee Corso Following ESPN Retirement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Will Chesanek | Last updated Mar 9, 2026 3:09 PM ET

Dick Vitale is one of the most recognizable names in college basketball. With catchphrases like “awesome Baby” and “Diaper Dandy”, Vitale is an announcer known for his unrivaled passion when covering the NCAA. The 86-year-old has been a mainstay in the college basketball scene; he even called the first-ever game for ESPN on December 5, 1979, where DePaul defeated Wisconsin. Vitale was also a former coach for the University of Detroit and for the Detroit Pistons.

If Vitale represents college basketball as an announcer, the equivalent for college football would have to be Lee Corso. Corso is a former head coach for Louisville, Indiana and Northern Illinois. He is best known for being on ESPN’s "College GameDay," which he has appeared on since it started in 1987. Like Vitale, Corso is known for his passion. From choosing pregame victors, where Corso donned the Mascot-headgear, to catchphrases as well, most notably the iconic “Not so fast, my friend!”.

Lee Corso on the set of ESPN College GameDay.© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Corso and Vitale are both aging legends, and both have had health concerns in recent years. Vitale was diagnosed with cancer in 2021 and has been dealing with various forms of cancer since. Thankfully, Vitale has announced that he is completely cancer free. Corso, on the other hand, suffered a stroke in 2009, impacting his ability to speak. This did not stop Corso, who still appeared on the "GameDay" set. Corso has missed time from the ESPN show over the last few years due to health concerns. Before the 2025 college football season, it was announced that Corso had retired from ESPN.

On Monday, Vitale celebrated Corso’s career on Instagram, expressing hope that the "College GameDay" legend is healthy during his retirement.

"One of my all time fav pics was recently with the #awesomebaby LEE CORSO - it was great sharing time with him in Orlando," Vitale wrote. "Love everything about Lee . Spend 5 minutes with him & you can see y @recedavis @kirk_herbstreit @desmondhoward & @chrisfowler think the world of him - may God give him a healthy - happy retirement."