Kirk Herbstreit Shares Emotional Lee Corso Tribute Ahead of Last ‘College GameDay’
Kirk Herbstreit shared an emotional tribute ahead of Lee Corso‘s final College GameDay broadcast on ESPN.
The 90-year-old college football analyst announced his retirement on April 17, revealing his last show would be on August 30. Corso will predict the winning team in his signature fashion — wearing the mascot headgear of the school he thinks will emerge victorious — for Florida State University’s match-up with The University of Alabama.
On August 22, College GameDay shared a touching, nearly 7-minute video via X featuring fellow analysts, football players, coaches, and celebrities.
“From colleagues, to guest pickers, fans and beyond, those around the college football community share what Lee Corso means to them,” the post read. “We love you, Coach 🧡.”
In the video, Corso watched the personal messages, at times getting emotional. The final three clips were from his College GameDay hosts, Rece Davis, Desmond Howard, and Herbstreit.
“It’s been an incredible,” Herbstreit said before choking up and needing to pause to gather his composure. “An incredible honor. And a privilege to be with you, to be your partner for all these years.”
He then declared, “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.”
Meanwhile, Corso used a handkerchief to wipe away tears as he watched his colleague’s teary-eyed tribute. “That was powerful. Thank you,” Corso said after Herbsteit walked up and hugged him when the video ended.
From colleagues, to guest pickers, fans and beyond, those around the college football community share what Lee Corso means to them.
We love you, Coach 🧡 pic.twitter.com/jFgiANfVlu
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) August 23, 2025
In the comments of the X post, it was clear that the video pulled at the heartstrings of college football fans.
One X user wrote, “Good lord 😭😭😭😭.”
Another joked, “Who’s cutting onions at 7:35am 😭😭😭.”
Someone else shared, “Loved the tribute, love LC, next Saturday is going to be another cry fest in this house. College GameDay will never be the same. Glad LC can see & feel the love while he is still with us! 😍 .”
A different X user confessed, “Starting off my Saturday in tears was not on the agenda. Was good until I saw @KirkHerbstreit lose it. Man, not ready for the final show for Coach.”
Meanwhile, yet another fan commented, “This was a beautiful tribute to an absolute legend in Lee Corso. Thank you Coach for making our Saturday’s fun, insightful and enjoyable. You will forever be the face of College Gameday and College Football. 😭😭😭😭.”
On Friday, August 22, ESPN premiered a one-hour special honoring Corso titled Not So Fast, My Friend. It re-aired the following day and is now available to stream on ESPN+.
Not So Fast, My Friend, streaming on ESPN+
Watchlist Easy access to only the shows you care about — all in one simple place
Alerts Only important notifications — when a show is returning, when it becomes available to stream, and more.
Special Offers Exclusive products we release related to your favorite shows and streaming services