ESPN announced that it’s long-running “College GameDay” will take its show to Columbus, Ohio for commentator Lee Corso’s final ever broadcast on Aug. 30.
The Week 1 contest between Ohio State and Texas figures to be a highly ranked affair, with both the defending national champion Buckeyes and Longhorns having title aspirations in 2025.
The network announced Corso’s retirement in April, noting the legendary college football personality would make his final appearance during Week 1 of this upcoming season, after a nearly four-decade run on the show.
“Lee Corso has developed a special connection to generations of fans through his entertaining style and iconic headgear picks,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said. “Lee is one of the most influential and beloved figures in the history of college football and our ESPN team will celebrate his legendary career during his final College GameDay appearance this August.”
The former collegiate head coach and Florida State player has become well known for his tradition of donning the mascot heads of teams he predicts will win the show’s featured matchup.
According to ESPN, Corso, 89, boasts a 286-144 record picking games with headgear since he began that segment in October 1996.
“ESPN has been exceptionally generous to me, especially these past few years,” Corso said. “They accommodated me and supported me, as did my colleagues in the early days of College GameDay. Special thanks to Kirk Herbstreit for his friendship and encouragement. And lest I forget, the fans … truly a blessing to share this with them. ESPN gave me this wonderful opportunity and provided me the support to ensure success. I am genuinely grateful.”
Ohio State begins its title defense with three straight home games, also hosting Grambling State and Ohio before taking to the road for a Sept. 27 matchup with Washington. The Buckeyes bring back a talented roster but are replacing both coordinators and will have an entirely new backfield.
For Texas, the game marks the highly anticipated turn to Arch Manning at quarterback following a semifinal run a season ago. The Longhorns’ schedule lightens up after the trip to Ohio, with home games against San Jose State, UTEP and Sam Houston to close out September.
–Field Level Media
