Kirk Herbstreit cries as he pays emotional tribute to 90 year old Lee Corso on ESPN College GameDay

Kirk Herbstreit could not hold back his tears on Friday, August 23, 2025, as he paid a powerful tribute to Lee Corso, who has been the face of ESPN’s College GameDay since the show first aired in 1987.

Corso, who turned 90 on August 7, will make his final appearance on the program next week before the big season-opening game between Texas Longhorns and the defending champions Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus, Ohio. A video shared on social media showed Herbstreit choking up while speaking about Corso. The moment came as ESPN played a montage filled with messages from football coaches and sports stars, celebrating Corso’s long career and unique personality.

Lee Corso’s final bow on College GameDay brings emotional tribute from Kirk Herbstreit

The tribute took place during the show on Friday morning, when a pre-recorded video aired featuring coaches such as Bill Belichick, Steve Sarkisian, and Brian Kelly, along with celebrity guest pickers like Scottie Scheffler, Charles Barkley, and Will Ferrell. The montage ended with heartfelt words from Corso’s closest colleagues, Rece Davis, Desmond Howard, and Kirk Herbstreit.

Herbstreit, who played quarterback at Ohio State in the early 1990s, started to speak but paused as tears filled his eyes.

“It’s been an incredible…” he said before his voice cracked. After a short pause, he added: “An incredible honor. And a privilege to be with you, to be your partner for all these years. There will never be another Lee Corso. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, for this show, for this sport. You’re one of one. Love ya, bud.”Corso, sitting beside him, was seen wiping his own tears with a handkerchief as the clip ended. When Herbstreit hugged him, he whispered, “That was powerful.”Corso has appeared on College GameDay since its very first episode in 1987 and is best known for his playful tradition of putting on mascot headgear to make his weekly picks. Over the years, he has worn 430 different headpieces, turning the segment into one of the most beloved parts of college football Saturdays.Also Read: “They Want To Be Married”: Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Plan Marriage And Kids As Romance Grows Stronger

Rece Davis, Desmond Howard, and big names join in honoring Lee Corso

Along with Herbstreit, both Rece Davis and Desmond Howard praised Corso for his energy and sense of humor. Davis called him the “heart of the show,” while Howard added that Corso brought “joy to the game like nobody else ever could.”The upcoming College GameDay broadcast in Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday, August 30, 2025, will mark Corso’s last live appearance. The show will take place before the Texas Longhorns face Ohio State Buckeyes in one of the biggest games of the opening weekend.After nearly four decades on air, Corso’s farewell will be remembered as one of the most emotional moments in college football television history.