Lee Corso Retires From ESPN College GameDay After 40 Years

Lee Corso, the iconic face of ESPN's "College GameDay" known for his signature mascot headgear picks and catchphrase "Not so fast, my friend," is retiring after more than 40 years on the show. His final broadcast will be the Texas–Ohio State game, marking the end of an era that began in 1987 and included 431 headgear picks and nine Emmy wins. The college football community, including longtime broadcast partner Kirk Herbstreit, coaches like Nick Saban, and Corso’s family, have paid heartfelt tributes highlighting his impact on the sport and personal resilience, especially after his 2009 stroke. Herbstreit, who has worked alongside Corso since 1996, became emotional in several tributes, describing it as an honor and privilege to be his partner, with fans and colleagues responding to his tearful farewell. Corso’s influence extends beyond entertainment, affecting players and coaches alike, and while some speculate about who might continue his headgear tradition, Nick Saban has expressed hope that it remains unique to Corso. ESPN’s one-hour special "Not So Fast, My Friend" showcased these tributes and underscored the deep respect and affection Corso has earned throughout his career.