BREAKING: Lee Corso to Make Emotional Final ‘College GameDay’ Appearance at Ohio Stadium on August 30

College football fans across the country will witness the end of an era this August as legendary analyst Lee Corso is set to make his final appearance on ESPN’s “College GameDay” on Friday, August 30, broadcasting live from Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.

After more than 35 seasons as the face of ESPN’s flagship college football pregame show, the 88-year-old Corso will bid farewell in fitting fashion—surrounded by fans, tradition, and football pageantry at one of the sport’s most iconic venues.

Corso, a staple of college football Saturdays since 1987, has become an icon for his signature “headgear picks” and charismatic personality. Over the years, he’s donned the heads of mascots ranging from Brutus Buckeye to the Oregon Duck, transforming pregame predictions into must-watch moments.

Known for his famous catchphrase—“Not so fast, my friend!”—Corso’s contributions have transcended analysis. He brought energy, unpredictability, and heart to every show, building a legacy that made “College GameDay” a cultural phenomenon.

His final appearance at Ohio Stadium is a poignant choice. Not only is Columbus one of the most frequent stops in GameDay history, but Corso himself has chosen Ohio State to win on countless occasions, donning Brutus Buckeye’s head more than almost any other.

Social media was also flooded with tributes from fans, players, and fellow broadcasters, with many already planning to travel to Columbus to be part of the celebration.

The GameDay set will be built on the Oval, just steps from Ohio Stadium, where thousands of fans are expected to gather. ESPN producers have reportedly planned a Corso-centric show—complete with career retrospectives, surprise guests, and a likely emotional farewell message.

At the heart of the broadcast will be Corso’s final headgear pick—a tradition that began in 1996 and became a hallmark of the show. Fans are already speculating what mascot he’ll pick last. Many are hoping he chooses Brutus Buckeye, symbolically closing out his legendary run where he started so many Saturdays.

Before he became a television star, Corso was a respected football coach. He held head coaching positions at Louisville, Indiana, and Northern Illinois, and even worked with the USFL’s Orlando Renegades. But it was his second act as a broadcaster where he truly found his national voice.

Despite suffering a stroke in 2009, Corso fought back to stay on air, showcasing his resilience and deep passion for the sport. While his appearances became more selective in recent years, every show he attended still felt like a celebration.

Though this will be Corso’s final appearance as an active GameDay analyst, ESPN sources say he will remain involved in the show’s legacy projects and may make occasional guest appearances or voice-over contributions.

More importantly, his spirit will live on in the program itself. New generations of fans will continue to feel his influence, and future analysts will undoubtedly emulate the authenticity and joy Corso brought to his role.

August 30 will be more than just the start of the college football season. It will be a farewell to a man who helped shape how millions experience the game. From wild predictions to unforgettable mascot moments, Lee Corso didn’t just talk about college football—he embodied it.