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Lee Corso has become an iconic figure in the world of college football, not because he is the greatest analyst or a celebrated coach, but due to his genuine love for the sport that resonates deeply with fans. His journey in college football has made him a beloved character among fans, who have reciprocated his affection over the years.
On the heels of his announcement to retire from ESPN’s College GameDay after Week 1 of the 2025 college football season, it’s important to reflect on Corso’s impact. His final headgear selection will coincide closely with his 90th birthday, marking the end of an era that began when the show first aired in 1987. Over the last three decades, his unique headgear picks have become a Saturday tradition, starting with his memorable choice of donning Brutus Buckeye’s mascot head in 1996.
Corso’s predictions have proven more accurate than many might realize, boasting a success rate of over 66 percent. But behind the gimmick lies a man who has dedicated nearly four decades to ESPN and nearly thirty years coaching football, coupled with a playing career that ranks him third on Florida State's all-time interceptions list. His contributions to the sport are undeniable.
While it may seem ironic that Corso will be remembered for wearing mascot heads, nothing encapsulates his passion for the game quite like those moments at the end of each College GameDay. His enthusiasm transcends the ESPN studio, reaching millions of households across the globe. Iconic moments, like his unforgettable pick between SMU and Houston in 2011, showcase Corso's playful spirit and deep connection to fans.
In a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Aaron Rodgers expressed his frustrations regarding how the New York Jets handled his release this offseason. He revealed that he traveled across the country at his own expense to meet with coach Aaron Glenn, only to find out the team was moving in a different direction at quarterback. “I felt there wasn’t an ample amount of respect in that meeting,” Rodgers stated, leaving his future in football open-ended, including the possibility of retirement.
In other news, the Florida State athletic department has canceled all home sporting events through the weekend following a tragic campus shooting that claimed two lives and left six others injured. Additionally, Rangers forward Artemi Panarin and Madison Square Garden Sports reached financial settlements with a Rangers employee after allegations of sexual assault were made against Panarin.
In coaching news, Angel City FC has appointed Alexander Straus from Bayern Munich as their new head coach, starting June 1. Meanwhile, Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. is under investigation after a since-deleted post on X criticized an umpire following his ejection in a game against the Rays. On a positive note, Bucks guard Damian Lillard has been cleared of a blood clot in his right calf and has returned to practice.
Looking ahead, the PWHL is set to announce a new franchise in Vancouver next week, with plans to commence play in the 2025-26 season.
This week has seen unprecedented chaos in the NBA. Just hours after a playoff loss to the Mavericks, the Sacramento Kings parted ways with general manager Monte McNair, who was previously celebrated as the NBA's Executive of the Year. This decision comes in the wake of several coaching changes and trades that have rattled the league.
Notably, the Pelicans also made headlines by firing executive VP David Griffin and replacing him with Hall of Famer Joe Dumars. Similarly, the Suns dismissed coach Mike Budenholzer after a disappointing season. The timing of these firings raises questions about the stability of franchises in the league.
To gain insight into the ongoing changes, we consulted John Hollinger, who noted that while coaching changes are common, firing a coach during the season's final weeks is highly unusual. This series of events reflects a chaotic landscape in the NBA, with more moves likely on the horizon as teams reassess their strategies.
For sports enthusiasts, tonight's lineup features:
MLB: Dodgers at Rangers | 8:05 p.m. ET on MLB Network. Watch as Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Jacob deGrom take the mound in what could be a World Series preview. NBA: Mavericks at Grizzlies | 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. Both teams are looking to move beyond their recent struggles and make a statement as the playoffs approach.Today’s must-read features include:
Sam Khan Jr. explores the evolving role of general managers in college football, highlighting their newfound importance within programs. Discover why Sidney Crosby is celebrated as the best leader in hockey in our new leadership and personal growth vertical, Peak. Pablo Maurer provides a glimpse into the challenges faced by Loudoun United, a USL club navigating uncertainty while striving for success. Anthony Slater discusses the significance of a twin-tower approach for the Thunder as they look to capitalize on their season. Lastly, dive into how innovations like torpedo bats are changing the landscape of hitting in baseball, courtesy of our dedicated MLB staff.Stay tuned for more updates and insights in tomorrow’s newsletter!
