ESPN is preparing to say goodbye to one of college football’s most beloved figures.
Ahead of Lee Corso’s final appearance on College GameDay next week, the network announced it will air a one-hour special titled "Not So Fast, My Friend", paying tribute to the 90-year-old broadcaster whose energy, humor, and signature headgear picks have become synonymous with Saturday mornings in the fall.
Corso, who has been part of GameDay since its inception in 1987, has helped transform the show into a nine-time Emmy Award-winning staple of college football culture. His catchphrases and personality by putting on mascot heads week after week carved out a role that connected with multiple generations of fans. Over the years, he has made 430 headgear selections and delivered countless renditions of his trademark “Not so fast, my friend."
The tribute program will feature stories and reflections from colleagues past and present. GameDay staples such as Rece Davis, Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, and Pat McAfee will appear, alongside prominent voices from the sport like Nick Saban, Kirby Smart, Dabo Swinney, Drew Brees, and Lane Kiffin.
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro called Corso “one of the most influential and beloved figures in the history of college football,” noting that his connection to fans has been “special and enduring.”
It's only fitting Corso’s last broadcast will take place in Columbus, Ohio, where in 1996 he first pulled on Brutus Buckeye’s head to make his game-day pick. Next week, he’ll do so again as Ohio State meets Texas in a marquee matchup, bringing his journey full circle.
From colleagues, to guest pickers, fans and beyond, those around the college football community share what Lee Corso means to them.
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) August 23, 2025
We love you, Coach 🧡 pic.twitter.com/jFgiANfVlu
The farewell is expected to be emotional, particularly for longtime partner Kirk Herbstreit, who fought back tears in a video message shared by ESPN. “It’s been an incredible honor and privilege to be your partner,” Herbstreit said. “They’ll never be another Lee Corso. You’re one of one.”
For fans, the final show represents the end of an era. For College GameDay, it’s a reminder that Corso’s sense of fun not only helped define the program but also became part college football's culture.
MORE COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS:
- Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson sound off on Deion Sanders’ discipline
- Notre Dame Football unveils new logo— first time in 60 years
- Urban Meyer sends clear message about Shedeur Sanders' NFL future
- ESPN analyst’s blue-chip son named No. 1 recruit In America