Lee Corso. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Sports world pays tribute to Lee Corso after retirement news

By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated Apr 17, 2025 5:05 PM ET

Lee Corso has had a massive impact on the sports world since he began his career at ESPN, and that was as evident as ever after the news surfaced that he will soon be retiring.

ESPN announced on Thursday that Corso will make his final regular appearance on “College GameDay” in Week 1 of the college football season, which is on Saturday, Aug. 30.

Corso joined ESPN in 1987, which was the same year "College GameDay" made its debut. His famous mascot headgear picks began in 1996 and are what Corso became best known for.

After word surfaced that Corso has only one headgear pick remaining, tributes began rolling in from all corners of the sports world. The first, of course, came from "College GameDay" itself.

So many iconic headgear moments. Corso left his mark on GameDay forever ❤️ pic.twitter.com/qj7LEaUJa1
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) April 17, 2025

There were many other acknowledgments from Corso's current and former colleagues at ESPN. Chris Fowler, Rece Davis and others spoke about the impact Corso has had on them throughout their time with the network.

quick reflections and tribute to a dear friend and living legend, with word now official that #leecorso is retiring from @CollegeGameDay after one huge send off!
much more to come. Love you, LC! pic.twitter.com/V2Q15Qi795
— Chris Fowler (@cbfowler) April 17, 2025

What Lee Corso means to me. pic.twitter.com/vS2gg410dW
— Rece Davis (@ReceDavis) April 17, 2025

.@stephenasmith gives flowers to Lee Corso after he announced his retirement

"He's absolutely wonderful, and he's going to be missed." pic.twitter.com/T74QdJHm6E
— First Take (@FirstTake) April 17, 2025

Thank you Lee Corso.
Thank you for your passion for College Football.
Thank you for your storytelling.
Thank you for being a great teammate to all who had the honor of working with you.
One more show, but we all know you will be missed on TV.
But most of all, you will be… pic.twitter.com/5rLa6rjCsC
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 17, 2025

There were also countless college football programs who shared their favorite Corso moments involving their respective teams. Here is just a sampling:

Congrats on your retirement, Lee Corso! #GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/mrTnHS6CSL
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) April 17, 2025

Lee Corso went 17-0 on @CollegeGameDay when he rocked the Trojan helmet!

Thanks for the memories, Coach ❤️ https://t.co/3pWZTg0S7Z pic.twitter.com/ZaDK9x31VI
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) April 17, 2025

Happy retirement, Lee Corso. It's been great having you at so many of our games throughout the years! pic.twitter.com/esYcHOEvYc
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) April 17, 2025

Thanks for the memories, Lee Corso! #GoCards pic.twitter.com/j4q4OnRlLO
— Louisville Football (@LouisvilleFB) April 17, 2025

There IS only one Lee Corso.

Thank you, Coach #GoDukes pic.twitter.com/jSxEll5Xye
— James Madison Athletics (@JMUSports) April 17, 2025

Before he joined ESPN, Corso had a lengthy coaching career that included stops at Louisville, Indiana, Northern Illinois and a brief stint in the USFL. He has a college coaching record of 73-85-6.

There is no question, however, that Corso will be best remembered for his quirky antics on "College GameDay." Most college football fans have at least one favorite memory that involves the 89-year-old, which is why the tributes to him were so widespread.

Steve DelVecchio

Steve is a veteran writer who has covered a variety of sports and pop culture topics for more than 15 years. In addition to Yardbarker, his work has been featured on prominent digital publications including Larry Brown Sports, MSN and FOX Sports. The UConn graduate has published more than 40,000 stories and is one of the most experienced trending news writers in the country

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