Lee Corso College GameDay Best Stories
By Asmita - Aug 23, 2025
Lee Corso, a legendary figure on ESPN's "College GameDay" for nearly four decades, is known for his humor, passion, and charisma. His iconic headgear picks, where he wears a mascot's headgear to predict game winners, have become a beloved tradition. Corso's offbeat style has led to memorable moments, such as riding a motorcycle with a mascot and dropping an expletive on live TV. Described as a "creature of habit" and a professional, Corso's infectious enthusiasm and commitment to creating entertaining TV moments have left a lasting impact on college football culture.

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Lee Corso has been synonymous with ,[object Object],'s ",[object Object]," for nearly four decades, crafting a legacy that transcends typical sports commentary. His unique blend of humor, passion, and charisma transformed the show into an iconic Saturday tradition. One of his most enduring contributions is the headgear pick—a ceremonial moment at the end of each show where Corso dons a mascot's headgear to predict the winner of the week's featured game. This ritual began in 1996 and quickly became a fan favorite, symbolizing the start of college football’s intensity each weekend. Over the years, Corso has worn a variety of headpieces, from Brutus Buckeye to the Oregon Duck, capturing both the audience’s imagination and occasionally stirring rivalry passions.
Corso's offbeat and playful approach has produced countless memorable moments. One especially iconic episode took place in 2009 during an Oregon Ducks versus USC Trojans game; Corso didn’t just wear the Oregon headgear—he literally hopped on the back of a motorcycle with the Oregon Duck mascot and rode off the set, epitomizing his flair for entertainment. Another standout moment came in 2011 when Corso famously dropped an expletive on live national television after a headgear pick moment did not elicit the expected reaction from the crowd, a raw and unscripted show of personality that endeared him further to fans and industry colleagues alike.
Colleagues describe Corso as a "creature of habit" and a true professional despite his playful demeanor. From daily coaching sessions with producers to his quirky dependence on simple technology like a flip phone, Corso’s personality shone as brightly behind the scenes as it did on-air. His enthusiasm was infectious and his catchphrases—like “Not so fast, my friend”—became embedded in college football culture. His passion extended beyond just commentary; he was deeply committed to creating memorable television moments, often involving elaborate props and stunts ordered by his production team to heighten the entertainment aspect of the broadcast.
Throughout his career, Corso was clear about his mission: to entertain first and foremost. For him, football was the vehicle, but producing joy and excitement for the audience was the ultimate goal. This philosophy is best illustrated by the countless anecdotes shared by those who worked with him, from securing bizarre props like live alligators to humorous, off-the-cuff remarks that lifted the show’s energy. His retirement marks the end of an era, but the stories and laughs he provided will live on as a testament to his impact on college football broadcasting and the culture of ",College GameDay,".