Ideally, every college football fan wants to be omnipresent at the stadium on Saturdays. Cheering teams on in the flesh amongst their kin, living and breathing every down in the midst of some of the best atmosphere sports have to offer. But the truth is that the majority of fans consume the action vicariously through the TV. So, the people with boots on the ground who are tasked with permeating the emotions through the screen are uniquely important. In a tradition-rich sport, ESPN’s College GameDay is an ancillary tentacle etched in the tradition itself. The show has been running for about 4 decades. A lot of evolution and change occurred during that time. However, one panelist has been a mainstay. Lee Corso has been synonymous with the show since his first appearance in 1987. But all good things must come to an end.

Lee Corso, after almost 40 years with GameDay, is walking away from his stint in the media. The legendary figurehead has announced his retirement. At 89 years old, Father Time was always catching up to Corso. He’d been dealing with health issues for a few years now. Issues that even caused him to miss games last season at multiple junctures. Something that was largely unprecedented in the past. Lee Corso’s retirement was coming down the pipeline, but alas, it still hits hard now that it’s official. Naturally, emotions have been pouring from across the CFB realm in the aftermath of this announcement on the morning of April 17th. But his long-time running mate Kirk Herbstreit’s tribute is extra special.

Kirk Herbstreit has shared that panel with Lee Corso for close to 30 years. In many ways, it’s a mentor-protégé kind of relationship. In light of this news, Herbstreit took to X and posted a profound monologue. From the video, it’s apparent he was out and about in nature, probably on a morning run of some sort. But best believe he paused and assimilated every bit of emotion in said video. Off the dome, straight via the heart. “Coach, this is Kirk. Just wanted to say I love ya,” began Herbstreit, proceeding to pour all his feelings out for Corso.

“I thank you for so many lessons you taught me. Almost 30 years together, I have enjoyed sitting next to you. Watching you do your thing. So much fun. We’ve had so many great moments on the show, off the show. This is a celebration [of everything that you did for the sport, for College GameDay. You’re an icon. You’re a once-in-a-lifetime person, once-in-a-lifetime broadcaster,” said Kirk Herbstreit. The superlatives aren’t misplaced; Lee Corso really is on the Mount Rushmore of CFB media personalities. Not just because of the sheer volume of his contributions, but because of the expertise he spewed. Even his quirks. This segues into Herbstreit talking about Corso’s most iconic one—the headgear after making his picks.

“To look over and watch you, whether it was the headgear or saying something that nobody else would say… You’re brilliant, you and I have a special bond and always will. I just really wanted to say how much I appreciate you. I love you, and enjoyed being your teammate throughout all these years. You’ve earned this retirement, man. Congratulations.” Kirk Herbstreit added, In summation, he said, “Hope you’ll still be with us and come around in the fall on Saturdays. Take care of yourself. Look forward to seeing you soon. I love you, buddy.” The reinforcing of “love” epitomizes the kind of relationship Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso have. Corso certainly earned this retirement after years of service to the game. Being an excellent ambassador for it. But the show, quite literally, goes on. The future of College GameDay is brighter than it seems.

ESPN avoids a disastrous double-blow after Lee Corso bids adieu

Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit, Nick Saban, Pat McAfee, and Desmond Howard.  Not to mention the celebrity guest picker every week. With such a star-studded lineup, one long-standing member of College GameDay often flies under the radar. Understated, underappreciated. Which is a travesty since he’s the glue that ties it all together. Host Rece Davis is as important a part of the broadcast as any of his contemporaries. This is something ESPN’s competitors, FOX, recognize as well. In fact, they even tried to snag him for their own show, “Big Noon Kickoff.”

The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand reported FOX made an “all-out attack” to poach Rece Davis away from ESPN. For context, Davis has been on the network since 1995 and on GameDay since ’15. This would’ve been a power move and a statement of intent. However, Marchand reports Davis is staying put after all. On renewed terms, a 7-year contract worth “tens of millions.” The exact figures aren’t public but just know Davis has been taken care of. With Lee Corso’s retirement around the corner, ESPN couldn’t have afforded to lose 2 faces off its flagship CFB show. “The exact terms are unknown, but Davis accepted a slight hometown discount to remain at ESPN,” read the report.