After nearly four decades of picking mascots and declaring, 'Not so fast, my friend,' Lee Corso is hanging up his headgear, set to retire from ESPN's 'College GameDay' on August 30, 2025.

As Lee Corso prepares to cap off his nearly 40-year career with ESPN and a legendary run on 'College GameDay,' the broadcasting world braces itself for a future devoid of its most iconic mascot predictor. Since debuting in 1987 and taking center stage in 1993, Corso's whimsical headgear and unforgettable catchphrases have made him a college football staple, contributing to 430 unique mascot picks. With his upcoming retirement coinciding with his 90th birthday, fans and colleagues alike are forced to confront the impending emotional void—and what will happen to those face-painted mascots when the show's most colorful personality says goodbye.

Corso's journey began on October 5, 1996, when he donned his first headgear: Brutus Buckeye from Ohio State. Little did he know that this bold choice would launch him into a decade-long career of mascot selections that would truly boggle the mind. Each hat adorned with a goofy grin or fierce glare represented not just team spirit but also an uncanny ability to make viewers cringe or cheer—often simultaneously.

Over his illustrious tenure, Corso became synonymous with the game day experience; his catchphrase, 'Not so fast, my friend,' has echoed through stadiums and living rooms across the nation, creating a call-and-response dynamic akin to a bizarre family tradition. One can only imagine how many arguments erupted over those words at brunch tables leading up to kickoffs every Saturday morning.

Reflecting on its impact, college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit, who has shared the stage with Corso since 1996, described him as a second father and an irreplaceable figure in sports broadcasting. 'Lee isn’t just part of the team; he’s the heart of it,' Herbstreit commented, perhaps while trying to shake off the fact that he will soon have to fill the void left by a man who famously donned a giant chicken head during his predictions.

Before his illustrious broadcasting career, Corso navigated the treacherous waters of college coaching for 28 years with head coaching gigs at Louisville, Indiana, and Northern Illinois. His transition to television seemingly brought the vibrant persona we know today, though it is rumored his coaching days did contribute to many a gray hair before they became a fashion statement on camera.

Fans were surprised—though perhaps not wholly shocked—when Corso suffered a stroke in May 2009. While the incident left its mark on his speech, true to form, Corso bounced back, proving that not even a stroke could prevent him from donning his beloved mascot headgear and delivering his signature lines. Many viewed this return as nothing short of miraculous; a testament to both his spirit and resolve to remain a part of the sport he loved. Corso's full return to the show afterward showcased his humorous side, reminding audiences that laughter is often the best medicine.

In a recent farewell statement, Corso expressed his heartfelt gratitude toward ESPN, his colleagues, and his faithful fans. His emotional farewell is expected to bring a tidal wave of nostalgia—a fitting tribute to a man who has professionally cheered for mascots longer than most people have cheered for their college teams. The tears will be flowing, and the preparatory snack spread for his last show will surely rival that of the Super Bowl.

In response to Corso's retirement, ESPN has promised special programming leading up to his final appearance, no doubt filled with highlights and memorable moments that will serve as a warm, fuzzy trip down memory lane. Fans can only hope that somewhere amid the flashbacks, ESPN will reveal if there were ever any embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions tied to those gigantic mascot heads.

As August 30, 2025, creeps closer, the nation collectively braces itself for the inevitable departure of Corso, soon to be replaced by... well, anyone's guess is as good as mine. Perhaps they’ll introduce a robotic mascot picker or a live llama—at this juncture, anything feels possible when it comes to life after Lee.

Whatever happens, one thing is crystal clear: Corso leaves behind a legacy in college football, particularly known for his colorful mascot headgear picks and his signature catchphrase 'Not so fast, my friend.' With his retirement, we bid adieu to one of the few people actually qualified to put on a giant duck head. Cheers to you, Lee Corso; may your next chapter be filled with all the simple joys that actual, non-furry life can bring.