Lee Corso's Final Farewell: Disappointment for Florida State Fans

Florida State, USA - As the world of college football braces for the closure of an era, the announcement of Lee Corso’s final appearance on ESPN’s College GameDay has evoked heartfelt emotions among fans, particularly those affiliated with Florida State University. The 89-year-old analyst will conclude his remarkable near 40-year tenure with College GameDay at Ohio State, not his alma mater, Florida State. This decision has left Corso’s family, including his son, expressing disappointment. “It was disappointing that my father’s last show won’t be at Florida State,” his son noted, highlighting the emotional connection to the university that shaped Corso’s early years.

Corso’s last appearance will transpire during the season opener for college football on August 30, 2025. While he’ll don the Brutus headgear to predict Ohio State’s victory that day, there remains a lingering feeling of what could have been had the final show taken place in Tallahassee. Florida State has not hosted College GameDay since 2014, a stretch that has seen numerous fans recount fond memories of the show’s past visits to their campus. With a record of 17-19 in games attended by College GameDay, the Seminoles certainly have had their ups and downs while vying for national accolades.

Corso’s Legacy with Florida State

Lee Corso is more than just a fixture on College GameDay; he is a Florida State football icon. Having played quarterback and cornerback for the Seminoles from 1953 to 1957, he even held the record for most career interceptions for over two decades, a testament to his prowess on the field. On top of his football exploits, Corso also graced the baseball diamond for Florida State and famously roomed with the legendary actor Burt Reynolds during his college days. It’s clear that Corso’s legacy at the university runs deep.

His history with the program extends to College GameDay, where he has made headgear picks for 28 FSU games since 1996, boasting a commendable record of 20-8 during those predictions. As a beloved figure among fans, Corso’s trademark headgear picks have become an expected and cherished segment of the show. He made his first FSU pick on November 8, 1997, confidently predicting the Seminoles would defeat North Carolina, which they did handily.

Corso’s Retirement and Impact

Despite the heartache that his final appearance won’t be at his beloved Florida State, Corso has expressed immense gratitude for his time with ESPN and College GameDay. With tributes pouring in and large swathes of the college football community reflecting on his career, Corso remains an iconic figure known for his engaging personality and iconic moments. Over the course of his time at College GameDay, he has made over 430 headgear selections, picking Ohio State more than any other school, a whopping 45 times.

Looking ahead, Corso’s last official headgear pick is set for the much-anticipated opener of the 2025 season, with potential matchups like Ohio State vs. Texas and Florida State vs. Alabama on the horizon. Fans and alumni alike will surely tune in to celebrate a figure that has become synonymous with college football culture.

While the choice to host his last show in Ohio rather than Florida State may sting for many, the memories and camaraderie Corso fostered over the decades through his infectious passion for college football remain etched in the hearts of fans. As the countdown begins to Corso’s official farewell, there’s no doubt that the legacy he leaves behind will endure for generations to come.