Lee Corso's Final Gameday Pick: A Farewell to College Football Icon

Lee Corso's Final Gameday Pick: A Farewell to College Football Icon

As we gear up for a new college football season, it’s hard not to feel a tinge of nostalgia with the impending farewell of a beloved figure in the sport. Lee Corso, a name that has become synonymous with college football, is set to make his final pick on ESPN’s „College GameDay“ during Week 1 of this year, choosing between No. 1 Texas and No. 3 Ohio State, a matchup that promises to kick off the season with plenty of excitement. Corso’s journey began back in 1987, and since then, he has been a cornerstone of the show, bringing joy and character to our Saturday mornings alongside his trademark catchphrases and iconic headgear picks. SI.com reports that during his storied career, Corso has made 35 picks involving the Florida Gators, boasting a record of 15-7 when he backs them.

From his first Gators pick in 1997 against Tennessee, which resulted in a victory for Florida, to a significant moment in 2007 when he correctly chose Florida to win the BCS National Championship against Ohio State, Corso’s rapport with fans only deepened over the years. Most recently, he picked Tennessee to defeat Florida in the 2022 Gameday segment, but the Gators won the last hosted Gameday in 2019, where he selected them to triumph over Auburn. Such moments have become celebratory markers for Gator fans and college football lovers alike.

A Farewell to Remember

At the age of 90, Corso has been a stalwart in the college football community, though he has gradually scaled back his appearances following a stroke in 2009. Despite that, his insights and predictions remain popular features of the show, which launched on a college campus for the first time in 1993. Yahoo Sports highlights how Corso, since the onset of „GameDay,“ has donned various mascot heads, creating a tradition that fans eagerly look forward to each week.

Lee Corso’s love for mascot headgear began with a Brutus Buckeye head in 1996 and has since evolved into a tapestry of 69 different schools‘ mascots, including a memorable segment in which he donned different costumes, from a leprechaun to figures from American history. His headgear predictions hold a winning rate of 66.5%—better than his coaching record of 73 wins against 85 losses. NBC News notes that Corso is not just an entertainer; he’s an analyst who has balanced his role between serious sports commentary and light-hearted humor.

As we prepare for Corso’s last appearance at Ohio Stadium, the anticipation is palpable. The show’s final hour will gather former crew members, including Chris Fallica and Tom Rinaldi, to recount stories of Corso’s influence in the college football landscape. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian and Ohio State’s coach Ryan Day have both praised Corso for his ability to entertain and engage fans and players alike, highlighting the excitement he brought to college football.

For many, Corso’s legacy extends far beyond the predictions he made. He has been a beloved character who has woven his way into the fabric of college football culture. With his farewell looming, there’s substantial emotion surrounding his departure, and perhaps a few surprises await viewers on that final broadcast. So, as the curtain draws close on a remarkable career, let’s celebrate the joy Lee Corso has brought to football fans across the nation.