**BREAKING: College GameDay Announces Location for Lee Corso’s Final Show — A Historic Farewell at Ohio State**
In a highly anticipated and emotional announcement, ESPN’s *College GameDay* has officially revealed the location for Lee Corso’s final appearance on the iconic college football pregame show. For the first time in history, *College GameDay* will open its season in Columbus, Ohio, marking Corso’s farewell at the very same campus where he began one of the most beloved traditions in sports broadcasting: the headgear pick.
On August 30, 2025, Corso will step onto the *College GameDay* stage one last time outside St. John Arena at Ohio State University. The broadcast will precede a high-profile season opener between the Ohio State Buckeyes — the defending national champions — and the Texas Longhorns. It’s a fitting stage for the end of an era, with two powerhouse programs clashing and a live audience that will likely include legions of passionate Buckeye fans.
This event will be *GameDay*’s 26th visit to Ohio State, more than any other school in the show’s nearly four-decade history. But what makes this visit uniquely historic isn’t just the game or the venue — it’s the man at the center of the moment: Lee Corso, the last original cast member of *College GameDay* and a living legend in college football media.
### A Legacy Like No Other
Lee Corso joined *College GameDay* in 1987, back when the program was still a relatively modest studio show. Over the years, as college football’s popularity exploded, so did the show’s footprint, becoming a cultural touchstone for fans across the country. Central to its identity was Corso, with his charisma, encyclopedic football knowledge, and unforgettable on-air moments.
However, it wasn’t until 1996 — during a broadcast at Ohio State — that Corso donned his first mascot headgear, choosing Brutus Buckeye over Penn State. That spontaneous and theatrical act sparked a tradition that would become *College GameDay*’s trademark moment each week. Since then, Corso has made 430 headgear picks, choosing mascots from 69 different programs.
His headgear record stands at 286 wins to 144 losses, and no school has featured more prominently in his picks than Ohio State. He has selected the Buckeyes a record 45 times — a nod to both their consistent excellence and his fondness for the program.
### A Farewell Fit for a Legend
At 90 years old, Corso has endured health challenges in recent years, including a stroke in 2009. Despite some speech and mobility difficulties, he has continued to appear on *GameDay*, sometimes in a reduced capacity. His presence has remained a fan favorite and a source of warmth and nostalgia.
In an era of rapid change and turnover in sports media, Corso’s consistency has been a unifying thread. As ESPN announced plans for his final show, the network confirmed that Corso’s retirement would be honored with extensive programming. Leading up to the August 30 broadcast, ESPN will air special segments chronicling Corso’s journey, featuring behind-the-scenes stories, tributes from former players and coaches, and reflections from his longtime *GameDay* co-hosts Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Rece Davis, and Pat McAfee.
### The Significance of the Setting
Choosing Ohio State as the final stop for Corso carries deep symbolic weight. It not only honors the roots of the headgear tradition but also connects Corso’s personal history with the larger narrative of *College GameDay*. Columbus has always been one of the most electric locations for the show, consistently drawing some of the largest and loudest crowds.
With the Buckeyes entering the 2025 season as reigning national champions and hosting a top-tier opponent in Texas, the matchup is likely to be one of the biggest games of the year. The stakes are high, the stage is massive, and the emotion will be palpable.
### What Comes Next?
While this will be Corso’s last *live* appearance on the *GameDay* set, his influence on the show — and on college football — will endure. ESPN has not yet announced a formal replacement or changes to the show’s format following his departure, though it’s clear that the network understands the gravity of losing one of its most iconic personalities.
Corso’s legacy goes beyond picks and catchphrases. He helped shape the identity of college football for multiple generations. From Florida State coach to TV icon, his career has been marked by passion, humor, and an unmistakable love for the game.
As fans prepare to gather in Columbus on August 30, the air will be thick with nostalgia, celebration, and gratitude. For one final time, Lee Corso will raise the headgear high, put it on with a grin, and remind the college football world why he became a legend.
Not so fast, my friend — this one’s going to be unforgettable.
