In a heartfelt final appearance, Lee Corso will don the head of a college football mascot and deliver his iconic catchphrase: “Not so fast, my friend.” This Saturday, during ESPN’s broadcast of the defending national champion Ohio State hosting Texas, Corso’s retirement will mark the end of an era. At 90 years old, Corso has left an indelible mark on college football through his roles as a player, coach, and broadcaster over an impressive 75-year career.
Corso’s journey in football began in the 1950s when he played for the Florida State Seminoles. His versatility on the field as both a quarterback and cornerback led him to hold the school record for interceptions for two decades. Following his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, dedicating 28 years to various programs, including Louisville, Indiana, Navy, and Northern Illinois. Despite a brief stint with the Orlando Renegades in the USFL, Corso's coaching success has earned him a place in numerous athletic Halls of Fame, including those of Florida State, Louisville, and Indiana, as well as the Florida Sports Hall of Fame and the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame.
After the USFL's collapse in the mid-1980s, Corso shifted his focus to television, joining ESPN’s “College GameDay” program as an analyst in 1987. Over the course of 38 seasons, he became a cornerstone of the show. In 1996, Corso revolutionized sports broadcasting by introducing the tradition of wearing oversized mascot headgear during live broadcasts. This memorable moment began with him donning the Ohio State Buckeyes mascot, Brutus, and has since become a beloved part of college football culture.
Corso's playful tradition of wearing mascot headgear while making predictions has delighted fans and colleagues alike. Armed with a Ticonderoga No. 2 pencil, he has made 430 mascot headgear selections throughout his career, boasting a record of 286 wins and 144 losses. Notably, he has worn Brutus’ head 45 times, followed closely by Alabama mascot Big Al with 38 selections. Remarkably, he has donned the headgear of 69 different teams and has never picked against his former team, Navy. In 1999, he even achieved an outstanding 11-0 prediction streak, marking his best season.
Reflecting on his time at ESPN, Corso stated, “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.” Despite suffering a stroke in 2009 that temporarily hindered his speech, Corso made a triumphant return to the network the following year, earning the Contributions to College Football Award from the National College Football Awards Association.
As Corso prepares for his final game, he received a heartfelt standing ovation from Southwest Airlines staff and passengers while waiting for his flight to Columbus. Rece Davis, host of “GameDay,” emphasized Corso’s groundbreaking influence, stating, “With the popularity and cultural phenomenon that ‘GameDay’ became, there’s no one more responsible for that than Lee Corso.” His unique approach, characterized by irreverence and humor, has set new standards in sports broadcasting.
As Lee Corso steps away from the spotlight, college football coverage will undoubtedly feel his absence. Questions arise about whether someone will take up the mantle of wearing mascot headgear in honor of Corso’s legacy or if this beloved segment will retire along with him. One thing is certain: the future of college football broadcasting will carry the echoes of Corso’s unforgettable contributions for generations to come.
