Lee Corso's Exit Marks the End of an Era in College Football
It’s hard to imagine a college football Saturday without Lee Corso. But here we are—standing on the edge of a new season, knowing that the man who helped turn College GameDay into a cultural phenomenon is officially stepping away. After nearly four decades with ESPN, Corso will retire after the first week of the 2025 season, and the soul of college football television is leaving with him.
Lee Corso wasn’t just a broadcaster; he was the spirit of the game, the grandfather figure who made every Saturday feel like a family gathering. When he put on that mascot headgear at the end of each show, it was more than just a gimmick—it was a ritual. It meant the weekend had truly begun. It meant we were all about to dive headfirst into the drama, excitement, and tradition of college football.
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But now, the landscape is shifting. The game Corso loved and lived for is barely recognizable. The transfer portal, player salaries, media deals in the billions—college football has become a business. Players are no longer just athletes—they're free agents, brands, and bargaining chips. The sport has taken on an NFL-lite identity, where contracts and compensation often overshadow tradition and loyalty.
Corso’s retirement is a symbolic moment. It’s not just one man stepping away; it’s a farewell to the values and vibe of a bygone era. Back when players stayed with one program, when coaches coached for pride, and fans showed up because they loved the game—not just because it was a lucrative product.
And while the internet floods with memories—his accidental on-air swearing, his wild predictions, that infectious laugh—it’s hard not to feel the bittersweet weight of his departure. He was a consistent presence through the decades, outlasting changes in hosts, analysts, and even ESPN’s entire identity. From the humble beginnings of College GameDay in the late '80s to its rise as a sports institution, Corso was the glue that held it all together.
At 89, and nearing 90 when he finally steps off that stage, Lee Corso doesn’t owe anyone a thing. He gave us everything. His joy, his energy, his unmistakable authenticity—it made college football feel special, no matter who was playing.
So yeah, maybe someone else will put on the mascot head now. Maybe the new era of TV personalities will bring their own flair. But there will never be another Lee Corso. And when he walks away after that first GameDay in 2025, it won’t just be the lights going out on a set—it’ll be the end of a tradition that made this sport feel like home.
Thank you, Coach. We’ll miss you more than words can say.
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