When you think of college football, you don’t just think about the roar of the crowd, the smell of tailgates, or the bands blaring fight songs. You also think of one man in a suit and tie, grinning ear to ear, holding up a massive mascot head with perfect comedic timing. That man is Lee Corso, and for decades he has been the soul of ESPN’s College GameDay.
From the Field to the Booth
Before the bright lights of television, Corso lived the game. Born in 1935, he was a quarterback and defensive back at Florida State in the 1950s. After graduation, he traded his helmet for a headset and began a long coaching career. He climbed the ranks as an assistant before becoming head coach at Louisville and later Indiana. While his coaching record was mixed, his personality was magnetic — players and fans remembered the man more than the scoreboard.
Reinventing Himself on TV
In 1987, ESPN was still finding its footing in the college football world when they brought Corso onto College GameDay. What nobody knew at the time was that he would turn into the show’s secret weapon. Corso didn’t try to be polished. He didn’t try to be a hard-nosed analyst. Instead, he leaned into his charisma: funny, unpredictable, and always authentic.
The Mascot Head Tradition
The moment that made Corso a legend wasn’t a breakdown of X’s and O’s. It was when he pulled out his first mascot head in 1996 — donning Brutus Buckeye to pick Ohio State over Penn State. Fans went crazy, and a tradition was born. Since then, Corso’s weekly mascot headgear pick has become the most anticipated segment in all of college football broadcasting. Sometimes the crowd boos, sometimes they explode with joy, but either way, everyone tunes in for that moment.
More Than Just a Gimmick
While the mascot routine is his trademark, Corso has always been more than a prop comic. His insight, storytelling, and love for the game shine through. Even after suffering a stroke in 2009, Corso fought his way back to the set, refusing to let health struggles silence him. His speech slowed, but his spirit never dimmed. That determination has earned him respect far beyond football — he’s become a symbol of resilience.
Why Lee Corso Matters
In a world where sports coverage often leans on stats, data, and sometimes negativity, Corso has always brought joy. He reminds us that football is supposed to be fun. He’s the uncle at the cookout who makes everyone laugh, the professor who makes learning exciting, the grandpa who still loves to play.
When Corso finally steps away from the cameras, it’ll feel like the end of an era. But every Saturday that he’s still there, smiling under a giant mascot head, is a reminder of why we love college football in the first place.
Shane higdon 