As we gear up for another thrilling college football season, the excitement is palpable across the nation. This year, ESPN’s College GameDay Built by The Home Depot will kick off 2025 with an unforgettable trip to Columbus, Ohio, to celebrate a noteworthy milestone: the legendary Lee Corso’s final appearance on the show.
On Saturday, August 30, the iconic pregame show will broadcast live from outside St. John Arena, marking the unofficial start of college football Saturdays. The College GameDay spotlight will shine brightly on Ohio State University as the reigning National Champion Buckeyes host the Texas Longhorns in a much-anticipated College Football Playoff Semifinal rematch. Viewers can tune in from 9 a.m. ET on ESPN and ESPNU to catch all the action, expert analysis, and pre-game hype.
College GameDay has become a cherished tradition for college football fans across the country, and this season’s opening broadcast promises to be even more special. It will also coincide with Lee Corso’s final headgear pick—a moment that resonates deeply with fans. Corso, who turns 90 in August, has been an integral part of College GameDay since its inception in 1987. His endearing personality and symbolic headgear picks have brought joy to college football Saturdays and will be fondly remembered long after he steps off the stage.
Reflecting on his legendary career, it’s hard to ignore the impact Corso has had on the sport and its fans. His first headgear pick occurred on October 5, 1996—an event forever etched in the memories of college football enthusiasts. At that time, he donned Ohio State’s Brutus Buckeye mascot head, kicking off a tradition that has now spanned nearly three decades. Corso has made 430 headgear picks throughout his career, and remarkably, he has selected the Buckeyes a record 45 times.
In recognition of his extensive contributions to sports broadcasting, special programming will pay tribute to Corso during the Week 1 show. The College GameDay crew will celebrate his illustrious career while previewing the upcoming 2025 season. This unique combination of honoring a legend while looking forward helps encapsulate the spirit of college football—where history and the future intertwine.
The show will begin on the Ohio State campus before it moves inside ‘The Shoe’—what is affectionately known as Ohio Stadium—where Corso will make his much-anticipated final headgear pick in front of an estimated 100,000 fans. The iconic venue has hosted College GameDay for the 26th time, extending its record for the most appearances by any program in history. Ohio State boasts a promising record of 45-21 when featured on the pregame show, including an impressive 19-6 record when hosting.
The match-up against Texas also marks a significant moment in College GameDay history, as it will be the fifth meeting between these two college football powerhouses on the show, a series currently tied at 2-2. With so much on the line, fans can expect a riveting atmosphere both on-set and in the stands.
Last season proved to be monumental for College GameDay, as it wrapped up its most-watched regular season ever, averaging 2.2 million viewers. The show was awarded its 10th Sports Emmy for best weekly studio show, underscoring the beloved status it holds within the college football community. The passion and loyalty of its viewership speak volumes about the profound connection fans have with the show, which has established itself as a staple of college football culture.
In preparation for the upcoming season, College GameDay is committed to delivering ongoing content that will resonate with its audience. Although additional details about the road shows, talent roster, and special guests are yet to be divulged, fans can expect a similar blend of insightful analysis, spontaneous moments, and celebratory vibes that have made the show a classic.
As we look ahead, the commencement of the 2025 season invites all college football fans to unite in celebration of the sport, camaraderie, and, of course, the thrilling traditions that define it. The blend of nostalgia as we say goodbye to a beloved analyst like Lee Corso, coupled with the excitement of a new season filled with potential, makes this an unforgettable moment in college football history.
As ESPN’s College GameDay rolls into Columbus, Ohio, the promise of thrilling college football moments lies on the horizon. Whether you’re a die-hard Buckeyes supporter or a loyal Longhorn fan, the start of this season invites everyone to experience the magic of college football together. So grab your favorite snacks, gather your friends and family, and get ready for what promises to be an exhilarating opening weekend full of action and memorable moments.
With Lee Corso’s signature headgear pick echoing in the hearts of fans and a new season waiting to unfold, one thing is certain: the magic of college football is here to stay. The vibrant energy, deep-rooted traditions, and passionate rivalries will once again sweep the nation, igniting our love for this beautiful game—one College GameDay at a time.
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