Lee Corso Bids Farewell to ‘College GameDay’ with Perfect Picks

Lee Corso concluded his illustrious career with ESPN’s “College GameDay” on September 2, 2023, leaving fans with a memorable sendoff. The 90-year-old broadcaster signed off during a live show at Ohio Stadium, donning the Brutus the Buckeye mascot head, a nostalgic gesture reminiscent of his first appearance on the program nearly three decades ago. This emotional moment was not just a personal highlight but also a perfect culmination of his predictions for the weekend.

Corso’s final show coincided with the opening weekend of college football, and he demonstrated his keen insight by correctly predicting the outcomes of all six games he chose. Among these victories was a remarkable upset where Florida State defeated No. 8 Alabama, marking one of the weekend’s most surprising results. Notably, Corso was the only member of the “GameDay” team who selected the Seminoles to win.

In addition to this significant upset, Corso’s predictions continued to prove accurate as No. 10 Miami triumphed over No. 6 Notre Dame in a closely contested game on Sunday night. This perfect weekend extended beyond just his final picks; each of the three schools he once coached—Indiana, Louisville, and Northern Illinois—also secured victories in their season-openers. Corso’s ties to Florida State, where he played during the 1956 season, further emphasized the breadth of his influence in college football.

The farewell episode drew a record-breaking audience, with approximately 3.5 million viewers tuning in to witness Corso’s last appearance. The final 15 minutes garnered even greater attention, as over 5 million viewers watched to see his last prediction, which elicited a rousing ovation from the enthusiastic crowd at Ohio Stadium.

Corso joined “College GameDay” when it transitioned to a traveling format in 1993 and has since become a beloved figure on the show, often appearing alongside analyst Kirk Herbstreit. His departure marks a significant change for the program, which has grown to be a staple in college football culture.

As fans reflect on Corso’s impact, his final weekend serves as a testament to his enduring legacy in the sport. While “College GameDay” may face a new era without him, Corso’s perfect sendoff ensures he will be remembered fondly by viewers and players alike.