Florida State made sure one of its most beloved figures received a fitting tribute Saturday afternoon.
At halftime of the Seminoles’ matchup with No. 8 Alabama, the Marching Chiefs spelled out Corso's name across the field, honoring the legend on the day he made his final headgear pick on ESPN’s College GameDay. A tremendous moment for the Florida State community and for college football at large.
Corso, 90, had been the only analyst on the GameDay set to pick the Seminoles to beat the Crimson Tide. FSU took took a 24-10 lead going into the fourth quarter.
The longtime ESPN personality announced last year that his final show would be today. Corso began making mascot headgear selections in 1996, a tradition that grew into one of college football’s most anticipated rituals. He ended where it began, donning Brutus the Buckeye in Columbus before Ohio State’s win over top-ranked Texas. Corso closes his on-air career with a 287-144 record in headgear picks.
Before he became a household name, Corso’s ties to Florida State is where it all started. Nicknamed the “Sunshine Scooter,” he starred for the Seminoles in the 1950s, playing quarterback, cornerback and contributing as a kick returner. He left FSU tied for third all-time in interceptions and even led the team in rushing and passing in separate seasons. On the baseball field, he was a .293 career hitter with 28 stolen bases.
After graduating, Corso launched a coaching career that included head coaching stints at Louisville and Indiana before moving into broadcasting in 1987. He became a Hall of Fame figure at FSU and one of the sport’s most recognizable ambassadors.
Corso, who overcame a stroke in 2009 to return to television, was celebrated this week by ESPN with a series of tributes from family, colleagues and players. “Lee Corso is college football,” said former Alabama coach Nick Saban. “It’s hard to describe how much he’s meant to the game.”
MORE COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS:
- Tom Brady helps Shedeur Sanders secure a roster spot in Cleveland
- Kelce Brothers awkward college photo resurfaces after Taylor Swift engagement
- Arch Manning sends clear message to Ohio State: "We got the red dot on everyone"
- Notre Dame Football unveils new logo— first time in 60 years
- Antonio Brown takes aim at the Sanders family and Colorado following Shilo's release