🎙️ A LEGEND’S LAST HURRAH IN THE HEART OF OHIO: ESPN ICON LEE CORSO TO HOST FINAL COLLEGE GAMEDAY IN COLUMBUS AS BUCKEYE NATION PREPARES FOR HISTORIC SEASON OPENER AGAINST TEXAS ON AUGUST 30, 2025…

COLUMBUS, OHIO — On the morning of August 30, 2025, a chapter of college football history will come to a close as legendary ESPN analyst Lee Corso hosts his final edition of College GameDay in the heart of Buckeye Nation. The iconic Saturday morning show, known for its energetic fan atmosphere, bold predictions, and unforgettable mascot headgear picks, will set up its stage at The Oval on the Ohio State University campus—marking not just the season opener between Ohio State and Texas, but also the end of an era.

Corso, 89, who has been with ESPN since College GameDay’s inception in 1987, is expected to deliver his final headgear pick to a crowd that will include generations of fans, former players, and coaching legends. The matchup between two titanic programs—Ohio State and Texas—is already being billed as one of the most anticipated games of the 2025 season, but Corso’s farewell adds a level of gravitas rarely seen in college sports broadcasting.

🎩 The Last Headgear Pick: A Tradition Ends Where Legends Rise

Lee Corso is synonymous with mascot headgear reveals, a segment that began in 1996 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Over nearly three decades, fans have waited with bated breath to see which team he’d choose, often delighting or booing with equal passion. He’s donned Brutus Buckeye’s enormous nut-shaped head fifteen times, and on August 30, it is widely believed he’ll do so one last time—bringing his tenure full circle in front of one of the most faithful fan bases in the sport.

Corso’s long-standing affection for Ohio State is well-documented. “There’s no place like Columbus,” he’s said more than once during previous broadcasts. Sources at ESPN have confirmed that the decision to host his final episode in Columbus was Corso’s personal request, insisting that Buckeye Nation provided “the most electric atmosphere in college football.”

🏟️ Ohio State vs. Texas: A Game Worthy of the Moment

The Buckeyes’ clash with the Texas Longhorns on opening weekend is already being circled in red by analysts and fans. It marks the Longhorns’ first game in the Big Ten following their controversial departure from the SEC, and it is expected to draw national title implications right from kickoff.

Ohio State, led by head coach Ryan Day and presumed starting quarterback Julian Sayin, comes into the game with sky-high expectations. Meanwhile, Texas, boasting a revamped defense and explosive offense under coach Steve Sarkisian, hopes to silence the doubters in enemy territory.

The narrative stakes couldn’t be higher—and adding Corso’s farewell only intensifies the spotlight. ESPN officials anticipate record-setting viewership for both GameDay and the primetime broadcast.

🎓 A Homecoming of Sorts: Corso’s Emotional Connection to Ohio State

Though Lee Corso never coached at Ohio State, he’s often referred to the Buckeyes as “family.” Throughout his broadcasting career, he’s struck up deep friendships with former Ohio State coaches such as Jim Tressel, Urban Meyer, and current head coach Ryan Day. He’s also revered the school’s tradition, calling “Script Ohio” the greatest pregame ritual in the sport.

In an exclusive interview recorded earlier this month, Corso said, “When you think about the heart of college football, you think about Columbus. The history, the fans, the band—it’s unmatched. If I’m going out, I want to go out there.”

The university is reportedly planning a ceremonial honor for Corso before kickoff, which may include a presentation from athletic director Gene Smith, a tribute from the Ohio State Marching Band, and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque honoring his contributions to college football.

🎥 ESPN’s Grand Send-Off: Full-Day Coverage, Special Guests, and a Retrospective

In what ESPN insiders have dubbed “Operation Corso,” the network plans an all-day celebration. Starting at 6:00 AM, ESPN will broadcast a “Corso Countdown” retrospective, featuring his most memorable GameDay moments—his “Not so fast, my friend” catchphrase, his infamous headgear misses, and his heartwarming interactions with players and fans.

Former GameDay hosts and guests—including Kirk Herbstreit, Rece Davis, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee, and Maria Taylor—are expected to be on site, sharing memories and tributes throughout the show.

Kirk Herbstreit, who has been Corso’s colleague for over 20 years, said in a statement: “No one embodies the joy of college football like Coach. Columbus will give him the goodbye he deserves.”

🧠 A Legacy Beyond the Laughs: Corso’s Impact on the Game

While many fans know Corso for his animated persona, longtime colleagues and players credit him for bringing college football to the national stage in a way few others could. As a former coach at Louisville, Indiana, and Northern Illinois, Corso brought authentic analysis and deep football knowledge to a show that once seemed destined for niche audiences.

In doing so, he helped build College GameDay into a flagship property of ESPN—one that now rivals NFL pregame shows in viewership and cultural relevance.

“He brought a sense of fun, but he also taught generations of fans how to love the game,” said Paul Finebaum. “Without Lee Corso, college football wouldn’t be what it is today.”

💬 Fan Reactions: “Columbus Will Roar Like Never Before”

Social media lit up within minutes of ESPN’s official announcement. The hashtags #ThankYouCoach and #CorsoInColumbus quickly trended across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, as fans from across the country—and particularly Ohio—began making travel plans.

Andrew Keller, an Ohio State alum who has attended 22 GameDay tapings, said, “I cried when I heard the news. I don’t care what it takes—I’ll be there. This is a once-in-a-lifetime goodbye.”

Local businesses near the Ohio State campus are preparing for a massive influx of visitors. Hotels in Columbus have already reported being 90% booked, with prices surging for the weekend of the game.

Campus-wide watch parties, commemorative merchandise, and themed tailgates are all being coordinated in collaboration with the university and ESPN. The Ohio State Marching Band, affectionately known as The Best Damn Band in the Land (TBDBITL), will reportedly perform a Lee Corso-themed halftime show.

🧾 What’s Next for Corso?

Although this will be Corso’s final live appearance on College GameDay, sources say he will remain involved with ESPN in a limited capacity, contributing to special features and legacy content for the network.

Corso’s health has fluctuated in recent years, following a stroke in 2009, but his on-air appearances—while reduced—have continued to draw admiration and emotion from viewers.

“Coach still lights up every room he’s in,” said Desmond Howard. “He may be leaving the stage, but his voice will never leave the sport.”

🏁 The End of an Era, the Start of a New One

As college football continues to evolve—with conference realignment, NIL deals, and an expanded College Football Playoff—Lee Corso’s departure is a poignant reminder of the sport’s traditions. While younger analysts may take the reins, there will never be another voice quite like his.

Whether you’re a die-hard Buckeye, a loyal Longhorn, or simply a fan of college football, August 30, 2025, will be a date to remember. The game itself will make headlines. But the moment that lingers will be Lee Corso, one last time, holding up Brutus Buckeye’s head in front of a roaring Columbus crowd—and smiling.

📺 Broadcast Details

• Event: College GameDay: Lee Corso’s Final Appearance
• Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
• Time: Live from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET
• Location: The Oval, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
• Game: Ohio State vs. Texas – Kickoff at 7:30 PM ET on ABC

🧡 From Buckeye Nation to You, Coach: “Not So Fast, Goodbye”

As banners go up across Columbus and tens of thousands prepare for a historic farewell, one thing is certain: this isn’t just a send-off for a broadcaster—it’s a celebration of a man who made college football feel like home.

Thank you, Lee Corso. The game—and the fans—will never forget.