ESPN’s Lee Corso Moved to Tears by ‘College GameDay’ Tribute, and Fans Loved It

The veteran analyst reached a milestone on Saturday.

ESPN College GameDay’s Lee Corso made his 400th headgear pick Saturday, continuing a tradition that started in 1996. The 88 year-old former coach has become a staple of college football coverage thanks to his unique tradition.

To honor Corso, ESPN put together a video that revisited the origin of the headgear tradition and Corso’s impact on college football. Corso colleagues Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Rece Davis and Chris Fowler were all featured in the video tribute, as well as notable coaches such as Nick Saban, Kirby Smart and Marcus Freeman, who also shared their thoughts on the legendary analyst.

It's not a college football Saturday until Lee Corso makes his headgear pick 🐐

Today we celebrate Coach's 400th headgear pick by heading down memory lane to revisit some of his best moments. pic.twitter.com/TIlHJmTHpQ

— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) September 16, 2023

ESPN appeared to surprise Corso with the video, as he was brought to tears live on College GameDay after the network aired the tribute. Corso then thanked everyone who helped make the segment so iconic, from ESPN colleagues to Herbstreit’s wife.

Coach Corso reflected on his journey to 400 picks 🥹 #CollegeGameDay pic.twitter.com/0w9j1NPeXc

— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) September 16, 2023

As ESPN aired the segment, fans and pundits posted their appreciation for Corso and his tradition on social media.

Lee Corso is a living legend. My entire childhood revolved around him picking the game of the day with the head gear. He represents everything that is great about College Football. Love that man so much.

— Big Game Boomer (@BigGameBoomer) September 16, 2023

Corso is really such a gift to college football, man.

The best. Never forget this is all supposed to be fun.

— David Ubben (@davidubben) September 16, 2023

Corso’s best days may be behind him, but man. Can’t help but tear up a bit seeing him get emotional and be thankful. The man truly is a legend.

— JC Hoops (@JacksonCollier) September 16, 2023

Lee Corso is a national treasure and Kirk Herbstreit is the best college football analyst in the business, but the relationship between the two of them is one of the greatest, most special things in sports.

— Justin McLeod (@justfactsmaam) September 16, 2023

The College GameDay segment honoring Lee Corso was the best thing the show has done in several years.

Corso even capped it with his quintessential whit.

Reece Davis: “On to 500 (headgear picks).

Lee Corso, “I’ll never make it.”

— Jesse Simonton (@JesseReSimonton) September 16, 2023

What an amazing tribute to Coach Corso. I know it’s coming toward the end of his time on @CollegeGameDay, but he’s one of the most genuine human beings I’ve encountered in my 20+ year career. One of the best in the business. pic.twitter.com/vrDgeBm1Dm

— J.W. Cannon (@cannonjw) September 16, 2023

Corso’s 400th headgear pick will also come with a first, as College GameDay has not been to Boulder since the tradition began, until Saturday. And, fittingly, Corso picked the Buffaloes to defeat their in-state rival.

Corso takes @CUBuffsFootball as his 400th career headgear pick 🦬 pic.twitter.com/AEuw72ye7f

— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) September 16, 2023