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What Lee Corso Meant to College Football Fans

Lee Corso’s iconic ‘College Game Day’ run ends with his final headgear pick on Aug. 30.

Patrick Weider
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By Patrick Weider

I do not remember when Lee Corso became a part of my life as an Ohio State and college football fan, but for as long as I can remember, watching him deliver his patented headgear pick has been a big part of my Saturdays in the fall on the “College Game Day” set. 

To millions of college football fans, Corso was the voice of college football. His positivity, ability to improvise and the excitement he brought every Saturday were unmatched. Even while my life got busy the last several years, I always found time to flip on game day at 11:45 a.m. to watch his pick or watch it later to see who he picked. Corso will retire on Aug. 30 when he will pick his last headgear of his Game Day career, then he will go into the sunset as one of the most iconic voices in college football history. 

Corso Has Always Been a Star

According to the ESPN press release, Corso started with the show in 1987. The first time he put the headgear on was on Oct. 5, 1996 when he picked the Buckeyes for the first time. A tradition was born that would continue for decades. He has totaled 430 picks using headgear. He has picked the Buckeyes a record 45 times, as Ohio State was one of the staples of “College Game Day.” Ohio State does open its season against Texas, so you could see Corso pick the Buckeyes one more time. “College Game Day” has not announced their week one destination yet, but this will be one of their choices. 

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Corso’s Background 

Corso spent 28 years as a football coach at the college and professional levels. He was the head coach of Louisville from 1969-1972, Indiana from 1973-1982, Northern Illinois 1984 and the USFL’s Orlando Renegades. He then joined ESPN in 1987, and a star was born as Corso eventually came the voice of “College Game Day.”

Corso’s Travels 

Corso entertained over 70 different campuses during his career and has worked with Kirt Herbstreit for 29 years and has been his biggest advocate for years. Below is what Herbstreit said about Corso upon his retirement announcement.

“Coach Corso has had an iconic run in broadcasting, and we’re all lucky to have been around to witness it. He has taught me so much throughout our time together, and he’s been like a second father to me,” said Herbstreit. “It has been my absolute honor to have the best seat in the house to watch Coach put on that mascot head each week.”

Corso’s Legend Will Continue On 

Corso has influenced many college football fans over the years and his legacy will live on. Even my wife, who went to Ohio State with me, told me it was sad to see him go. 

Everyone will remember the iconic picks he made over the years. I always remember him picking the different teams and looking forward to it each Saturday in the fall. 

Corso, thank you for everything you did to let me love college football. You will be missed and remembered. 

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