College GameDay is headed to Columbus, Ohio for the season’s opening show, delivering a landmark moment as Lee Corso, at 90 years old, makes his final on-site appearance in what has become a storied chapter in college football pregame culture.
Corso has been a staple of ESPN’s college football coverage since 1987, and the on-campus pregame ritual began its on-site era in 1993 with a clash between No. 2 Notre Dame and No. 1 Florida State in South Bend. He introduced his famous mascot headgear picks with his first Brutus Buckeye moment coming in 1996 at Ohio State, a memory fans still recall with a smile as the Buckeye crowd roars.
Over nearly four decades on College GameDay, Corso has accumulated a remarkable résumé: he has visited more than 70 campuses, named 69 different teams as his pick, and delivered close to 400 headgear reveals that have become a beloved part of college football lore.
As this weekend’s show nears, the backdrop is set for a dramatic season kickoff featuring No. 1 Texas visiting No. 3 Ohio State. The Columbus crowd will be eagerly awaiting the familiar scenes and the one-of-a-kind farewell of a man who helped shape the show’s identity.
Corso’s long partnership with GameDay is intertwined with a personal favorite memory that fans often hear about: his affection for Oregon, the Ducks. He has often cited Autzen Stadium as his dream venue, praising the energy of the crowd and the unique atmosphere on a West Coast morning when the show is broadcast in pacific time. His love for the Ducks stems from more than just the mascot—the entire game-day ambiance resonates with him, from the late-night student enthusiasm to the enduring pageantry that defines college football Saturdays.
Amid the nostalgia, host Rece Davis has shared his own perspective on the show’s format. While some neutral-site editions—such as conference championship appearances in Atlanta or Charlotte—tend to draw mixed crowds, the on-campus environments remain the heart of GameDay for most fans. Davis has repeatedly pointed to campus-based crowds as the show’s lifeblood, underscoring the diversity of locations that give each episode its own charm.
Fans can expect 9 a.m. Eastern kickoff coverage this weekend as GameDay returns to spotlight the rivalry atmosphere, the pageantry of college football and, most notably, a farewell moment for a figure who has long been synonymous with the program.
What this moment means moving forward is a reminder of the enduring legacy Corso leaves behind: a tapestry of unforgettable headgear moments, a culture built around campus pride, and a standard of enthusiasm that has defined a generation of fans, players and analysts alike. His departure marks the end of an era, but also a celebration of the impact a single broadcaster can have on the sport’s culture.
Summary for readers: The first College GameDay of the season will broadcast from Columbus as Lee Corso makes his final on-site appearance. The show will lead into a top-tier matchup between Texas and Ohio State, while reflecting on Corso’s decades-long influence, his signature headgear picks, and his well-known affection for Oregon. The atmosphere promises to be both celebratory and charged with anticipation for what comes next in the GameDay era.
Potential positive takeaway: This milestone shines a spotlight on the enduring magic of college football Saturdays and the lasting imprint one broadcaster has left on the sport’s storytelling. The show’s legacy continues in the hands of a new generation while honoring Corso’s landmark contributions.