For one final time, Lee Corso will don the head of a college football mascot and utter his famous catchphrase: “Not so fast, my friend.” This Saturday, the ESPN broadcast featuring defending national champion Ohio State hosting Texas will mark the end of an era as Corso announces his retirement after a remarkable tenure in college football.
First as a player, then a coach, and finally as a broadcaster, the now-90-year-old Corso has been a mainstay in collegiate football for over 75 years, leaving an immeasurable impact on the sport. Known for his larger-than-life personality — and the even bigger mascot heads he’s donned — Corso retires as one of the pioneers of football television. “My goal on TV was to bring a smile to everybody’s face. I hope I have done that,” Corso remarked during a speech at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, where he was honored at the ESPYs in July.
Corso’s illustrious football journey began in the 1950s when he played for the Florida State Seminoles, taking on roles as both a quarterback and cornerback. During his time as a cornerback, he set the school record for interceptions, a record that stood for two decades.
After graduating, Corso transitioned into coaching, dedicating 28 years to various programs, including Louisville, Indiana, Navy, and Northern Illinois. He also had a brief stint as head coach of the Orlando Renegades in the United States Football League (USFL). His remarkable achievements in coaching earned him induction into several athletic Halls of Fame, including those at Florida State, Louisville, and Indiana, as well as the Florida Sports Hall of Fame and the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame.
It wasn’t until the mid-1980s, following the collapse of the USFL, that Corso turned his focus to television. He joined ESPN as an analyst for the “College GameDay” program in 1987, where he remained an influential figure for 38 seasons. In 1996, Corso initiated a tradition that would have a lasting impact on both the show and college football: wearing oversized mascot headgear during live broadcasts. His iconic moment came ahead of that season’s Ohio State-Penn State game when he wore the Buckeyes mascot Brutus’ headgear, a move that would become legendary.
Since then, Corso has entertained audiences by dressing up as various mascots, including Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish Leprechaun and Stanford’s Tree, even riding a motorcycle with the Oregon Duck. This whimsical tradition became a staple of ESPN's college football coverage for nearly four decades. Corso has made 430 mascot headgear selections throughout his career, boasting an impressive record of 286 wins and 144 losses. He has donned Brutus’ head the most, with 45 appearances, while Alabama mascot Big Al follows closely with 38 picks.
Corso’s dedication to the sport was unwavering, even after suffering a stroke in 2009 that temporarily hindered his ability to speak. He made a triumphant return to ESPN’s coverage and continued to bring joy to college football fans. In recognition of his achievements, he was honored with the Contributions to College Football Award by the National College Football Awards Association the following year.
As he prepared for his final game, Corso received a heartfelt tribute from Southwest Airlines staff and passengers, who honored him with a standing ovation as he boarded his flight to Columbus. “With the popularity and cultural phenomenon that ‘GameDay’ became, there’s no one more responsible for that than Lee Corso,” remarked “GameDay” host Rece Davis, highlighting Corso’s profound impact on ESPN's coverage.
As Corso steps away from the spotlight, he leaves behind a legacy that will resonate within the college football community for generations to come. One question remains: Will someone else step into his shoes to continue the beloved mascot headgear tradition? Or will this iconic segment retire alongside Corso? Regardless, the landscape of college football broadcasting will undoubtedly change without his presence on the panel.
Corso’s contributions to the sport and his ability to connect with fans will be remembered long after his departure, solidifying him as a cherished figure in the history of college football.
