Lee Corso is set to make his final mascot headgear pick for ESPN’s “College GameDay” in Columbus, Ohio, where his iconic tradition first began. In the highly anticipated Week 1 matchup, the Ohio State Buckeyes will face off against Texas, projected to be a top-five clash. This return to Columbus is particularly significant as the show plans to honor Corso, who announced his retirement after the premiere week of the upcoming season.
Corso, 89, has been a central figure on “College GameDay” since its inception in 1987, making his first official headgear choice at Ohio State during a game against Penn State in 1996. Over his illustrious career, Corso has made a total of 430 picks, with an impressive accuracy rate of 66.5%. Notably, he famously went 11-0 in his picks during the 1999 season, with Brutus Buckeye being his most selected mascot at 45 times.
With speculation regarding the show potentially visiting other high-profile games, the decision to hold Corso’s farewell in Columbus aligns closely with both tradition and sentiment. Alabama’s Nick Saban humorously expressed his relief at Corso not picking his team in the past to avoid undue pressure on the players, highlighting the fun and competitive spirit that Corso brought to the show.
Reflecting on his near four-decade journey with the program, Corso shared his gratitude, stating, “My family and I will be forever indebted for the opportunity to be part of ESPN and ‘College GameDay’ for nearly 40 years.” As fans prepare to celebrate his legacy, this final appearance promises to be a memorable tribute to a beloved sports icon.
Corso’s contributions have left an indelible mark on college football culture, and his retirement marks the end of an era for “College GameDay.” Fans can look forward to the final chapter of his storied career in a setting that truly began it all.