The first Saturday of the 2025 college football season opened with a legend's farewell for Lee Corso.
The 90-year-old Corso is stepping away from his post at ESPN's "College GameDay," after becoming synonymous with the program since 1987. More notably, Corso's presence on the program elevated when it began airing live from college campuses and stadiums, resulting in his signature method of selecting the winner of the game played at GameDay's site.
The signature headgear pick sees Corso put on the mascot head of the team he selects to win the game. Corso's final appearance came in Columbus, Ohio, as the GameDay crew was on hand for a 2024 CFP rematch between Texas and Ohio State. All focus was on whether Corso would be channeling Brutus Buckeye or Hook ’Em.
Throughout Corso's final show, the anticipation built as tributes poured in. Here's how the legendary coach and analyst went with a headgear selection billed as "something you've never seen before."
MORE: Lee Corso went 11-0 on headgear picks in 1999, launching College GameDay into legendary status
Lee Corso final headgear pick
Corso opted for Brutus Buckeye with his final headgear pick, choosing Ohio State to defeat Texas in the buzzed-about Week 1 showdown.
THANK YOU COACH CORSO 👏#CollegeGameDay pic.twitter.com/xPABB2dh9a
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 30, 2025
Lee Corso goes with his first love for his final headgear selection.
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) August 30, 2025
Ohio State. pic.twitter.com/a8QBewkdfr
Not only was Saturday Corso's final headgear pick, it was also the final headgear pick in "College GameDay" history. The program will retire the tradition with Corso's retirement.
The lead-up to Corso's final pick featured plenty of fanfare and tributes from across the sport. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day joined the set with a gift and an incentive for Corso to select the Buckeyes.
National champion 🤝 national icon
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) August 30, 2025
Ohio State coach Ryan Day brought Coach Corso a specialty helmet to celebrate his final show ❤️ pic.twitter.com/aUrjkyz41H
Playing into the headgear theme, the GameDay crew also sported mascot-sized Corso heads.
The Lee Corso headgear 🥹
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) August 30, 2025
The College GameDay crew honoring Lee Corso on his final show 🧡 pic.twitter.com/sK4bgU0TUw
Corso's 38 years with GameDay made an indelible impact on the program. His final appearance and headgear selection will be forever remembered as a poetic close to this chapter.