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A Legend's Unsettled Goodbye to the Game

USAWednesday, November 26, 2025
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At 90, the legendary ESPN analyst finds it tough to adjust to life without college football.

A Heart Still Beating for the Game

Lee Corso's journey in football began long before his TV days. He coached for 15 years at Louisville, Indiana, and Northern Illinois, with a record of 73 wins, 85 losses, and 6 ties. Before that, he played at Florida State in the 1950s, earning AP All-America honors in 1956 and setting school records that stood for over 20 years.

The "College GameDay" Era

His time on "College GameDay" started in 1987, but it was in 1996 that he became famous for his headgear segment. Fans loved his energetic predictions, and his final show in August was a big deal. He correctly picked Ohio State to beat Texas, ending his prediction career with a 287-144 record.

A Fond Farewell

The show honored him in a special way, with the crew wearing headgear featuring his face. There were emotional moments, and ESPN aired a segment with tributes from fans, coaches, and players. Corso, dressed in a tuxedo, seemed to soak it all in.

The Struggle with Retirement

But despite the fond memories, Corso isn't enjoying retirement. He can't even bring himself to watch "College GameDay" anymore. It's a stark reminder that for some, passion for the game doesn't fade with time.

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