As ESPN's "College GameDay" gears up for another season, Kirk Herbstreit is opening up about the man who helped make the show a Saturday morning institution. Lee Corso, who retired from the program in 2025 at age 90, recently had an emotional reunion with his longtime colleague, and Herbstreit is sharing just how much that moment meant.
Speaking with Us Weekly, Herbstreit revealed that the two connected in Orlando, Florida, where Corso had been a fixture for decades. "I was doing an appearance down in Orlando maybe two or three weeks ago, and he used to do this appearance for 25 years. It's down right in his neck of the woods. He found out I was going to be down there and he asked if we could connect," Herbstreit explained.
The reunion was anything but routine. "By the time I landed, there he is. We hugged, embraced. He was emotional because we haven't seen each other in a while. When he cried, it made me cry. Because he's my guy. We were able to hang out for probably 20 or 30 minutes and just kind of get caught up," Herbstreit shared.
But the joy of the reunion was tempered by a sobering reality. Herbstreit disclosed that Corso is dealing with "a lot of physical ailments" that are making life difficult. "It's tough on him," he admitted, though he was quick to note that Corso's mind and spirit remain sharp.
Despite his health struggles, Corso hasn't lost his edge. "But he knows about teams. He knows about players. He's got opinions," Herbstreit said. "I just sat there and listened and loved hearing him talk about that. He's great. I told him that everybody loves him, everybody misses him. He feels that love, so it's always good to see him."
Corso's impact on college football broadcasting cannot be overstated. He joined "College GameDay" in 1987 and turned it into the must-watch pregame show it is today. His signature headgear picks, where he dons the mascot head of his predicted winner, became a beloved tradition. He finished his career with a 287-114 record in those picks.
Nick Saban, who knows a thing or two about building a legacy, praised Corso's unique contributions. "The one thing I think Lee Corso did — and he did it with such grace — is he brought entertainment to this business," Saban said via On3. "We used to just watch games, and people would call the game. But he made it entertaining, which is what you do and what we all have an opportunity to do for the fans. He made it better for the fans. It was more enjoyable. He's got a great personality. What he did for the entertainment side of this business, to me, is his greatest contribution to college sports. I don't think people fully realize the value of that."
As the new season kicks off, fans will see a "GameDay" without Corso on set, but his spirit remains. Herbstreit's update serves as a reminder that even legends face hard times, but the love and respect they've earned endure. For now, college football fans can take comfort in knowing that Corso is still watching, still analyzing, and still as passionate as ever.
For more on the changing landscape of the sport, check out this take on officiating issues and the push for better matchups.
