Buckeye Bonanza: College GameDay Chooses Columbus for Lee Corso’s Grand Finale — All Eyes on Ohio State vs. Texas Showdown

In a move that sent waves of excitement across the college football landscape, ESPN’s College GameDay has officially announced Columbus, Ohio, as the destination for its season-opening broadcast — a decision that carries emotional weight as it marks Lee Corso’s final appearance on the iconic pregame show. The timing couldn’t be more poetic: the Buckeyes are set to face off in a much-anticipated rematch against the Texas Longhorns, a clash loaded with national championship implications.

The announcement was made early Saturday morning, instantly igniting fan buzz across social media. Corso, 88, has been the heart and soul of College GameDay since 1987, known for his legendary headgear picks and animated personality. After nearly four decades on air, his farewell will unfold in front of what promises to be a thunderous crowd of Ohio State faithful — a fitting tribute to one of the sport’s most beloved figures.

Ohio Stadium, affectionately known as “The Horseshoe,” will host the pregame festivities, setting the stage for a showdown between two of college football’s bluebloods. The Buckeyes and Longhorns last squared off in a thrilling battle that left both fanbases hungry for more. Now, with rosters loaded with NFL-caliber talent and playoff aspirations, the stakes have only grown higher.

For Corso, who has shared countless memories on campuses nationwide, returning to Columbus for his swan song feels almost poetic. Ohio State has long held a special place in the GameDay rotation. It was here that Corso donned his first-ever Brutus Buckeye mascot head in 1996 — a tradition that has since become one of the most anticipated segments of the broadcast.

While GameDay will celebrate Corso’s legacy, the main event remains a colossal gridiron duel between Ryan Day’s Ohio State Buckeyes and Steve Sarkisian’s Texas Longhorns. Both programs enter the matchup ranked in the preseason Top 5, and the game carries serious College Football Playoff implications.

Ohio State will look to avenge a narrow defeat to Texas in last year’s thriller, a loss that kept them just shy of playoff contention. With quarterback Will Howard commanding the offense and superstar wide receiver Jeremiah Smith ready to explode, the Buckeyes are armed for vengeance. On the other side, Texas returns with Quinn Ewers under center and a fearsome defense anchored by multiple All-Americans.

The city of Columbus is already pulsing with anticipation. Hotels are selling out. Local businesses are decking their windows in scarlet and gray. Students are camping out near The Oval to snag prime spots for GameDay’s broadcast area. University officials have announced extended tailgating zones and an evening fireworks display, turning the entire weekend into a celebration of Buckeye football and Corso’s enduring legacy.

The Buckeye Marching Band is also expected to deliver a special tribute performance, and rumors suggest that former Ohio State stars — including C.J. Stroud and Chris Olave — might make surprise appearances during the broadcast.

Corso’s retirement has long been anticipated, but the finality of it has begun to hit home for fans and colleagues alike. Fellow analysts Kirk Herbstreit and Desmond Howard have hinted at emotional tributes, and ESPN is preparing a retrospective montage honoring Corso’s contributions to the sport.

As Columbus prepares for this once-in-a-generation moment, one thing is certain: Buckeye Nation is ready to show out. From the pre-dawn chants of “O-H!” to the final whistle against Texas, the weekend will be soaked in passion, pride, and nostalgia.