Lee Corso will retire from ESPN’s “College GameDay” after nearly 40 seasons with the show. The longtime broadcaster and former football coach, known for his catchphrases and signature headgear picks, will make his final appearance on Aug. 30, during Week 1 of the 2025 college football season, ESPN announced. The network plans additional programming to honor his legacy.

Corso, who turns 90 in August, joined the show in 1987 and became a fan favorite in 1995 when he introduced his weekly headgear segment. Since then, he has made 430 mascot picks, donning everything from helmets to full costumes, with a record of 286-144. His lighthearted energy and iconic line, “Not so fast, my friend,” helped define the show’s tone alongside co-hosts like Kirk Herbstreit, Rece Davis, and Desmond Howard.

Despite suffering a stroke in 2009 that temporarily affected his speech, Corso returned to the show later that year and remained a central figure, even as his travel to remote broadcasts decreased. His most recent on-site appearance was at last season’s national title game between Ohio State and Notre Dame in Atlanta.

Before broadcasting, Corso spent nearly three decades coaching college and pro football, including stints at Louisville, Indiana, and Northern Illinois. Reflecting on his time at ESPN, Corso said, “I have a treasure of many friends, fond memories and some unusual experiences to take with me into retirement.”