Lee Corso, a prominent figure in college football analysis, has announced his retirement from ESPN after an illustrious career spanning nearly 40 years. His final appearance on the iconic “College GameDay” will take place on August 30, 2025, coinciding with his 90th birthday.

Corso’s Retirement Announcement

In a heartfelt statement released by ESPN, Corso expressed gratitude for his time with the network. “My family and I will be forever indebted for the opportunity to be part of ESPN and College GameDay for nearly 40 years,” he stated. He highlighted the invaluable friendships and experiences he garnered throughout his career.

Corso acknowledged ESPN’s support, particularly in recent years. “They accommodated me and supported me, as did my colleagues in the early days of College GameDay,” he noted.

A Special Farewell and Acknowledgments

Corso took the time to personally thank Kirk Herbstreit, his long-time colleague, for his friendship and encouragement during their years on air together. “Special thanks to Kirk Herbstreit for his friendship and encouragement,” he remarked, further emphasizing the joy of sharing his journey with fans.

The social media reaction was swift, with Herbstreit sharing his admiration in a video message, stating, “I just wanted to say I love you. I thank you for so many lessons you taught me.” He referred to Corso as “an icon” and a “once-in-a-lifetime broadcaster.”

Corso’s Legacy in College Football

Having joined ESPN in 1987, Corso became a central figure on “College GameDay.” He transitioned to a full-time analyst role in 1989 and gained fame for his distinctive headgear picks, which began in 1995. His humorous catchphrase, “Not so fast, my friend,” became synonymous with his character and approach to college football analysis.

As the last remaining original on-air personality from the show’s inception, Corso’s contributions to the landscape of college football broadcasting have left an indelible mark.