Corso Retires from ESPN Gameday after 38 Years

BRISTOL, Conn. — One of the most beloved figures of college football, Lee Corso, has decided to retire from ESPN College GameDay after being a fixture on the program since its inception 38 years ago in 1987.

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The coaching and broadcasting legend is set to appear on one final College GameDay broadcast, taking the stage for the program's August 30 airing, which marks the start of week one of the 2025 college football season.

Corso, who turns 90 on August 7, expressed his appreciation for his time on College GameDay to ESPN, stating, "My family and I will be forever indebted for the opportunity to be part of ESPN and 'College GameDay' for nearly 40 years, I have a treasure of many friends, fond memories, and some unusual experiences to take with me into retirement."

Corso is known for his famous headgear picks and thrilling personality on the College GameDay set. Corso donned the 'Big Al' headgear a total of 38 times throughout his 430 appearances on the show.

Kirk Herbstreit, Corso's long-time friend and co-host of College GameDay, told ESPN, "Coach Corso has had an iconic run in broadcasting, and we're all lucky to have been around to witness it. 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."

Before joining College GameDay, Corso spent 28 years coaching with stints at Louisville and Indiana and a season with the USFL's Orlando Renegades.

Corso's retirement is a reflection of the changing landscape in college football, and not seeing Corso on ESPN every Saturday morning in the fall is a sign that the sport is rapidly changing.

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