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Lee Corso retirement: Kirk Herbstreit sends heartfelt message to ESPN icon after announcement

FaceProfileby: Thomas Goldkamp04/17/25
Syndication: USA TODAY
Hosts Lee Corso, at left, and Kirk Herbstreit talk during the ESPN College GameDay show on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, on the Hesburgh Library lawn on the University of Notre Dame campus in South Bend. The show was to highlight the Notre Dame-Ohio State game.

ESPN announced that famed analyst Lee Corso will make his final appearance on College GameDay during Week 1 of the 2025 season, ending an era that was 38 years in the making. It’ll be emotional, perhaps most so for fellow analyst Kirk Herbstreit.

Herbstreit, who got choked up during Corso’s 400th headgear pick two years ago, chimed in on Twitter following the announcement of Corso’s final show. He posted a minute and a half video tribute.

“Coach, this is Kirk, just wanted to say I love you,” Herbstreit said. “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.”

You can view video of Kirk Herbstreit’s message below. It’s well worth the watch.

Herbstreit managed to put into words what millions were likely thinking upon learning that Corso will be stepping away. He’s meant so much to so many.

“This is a celebration for everything that you did for the sport, for College GameDay. You’re an icon,” Herbstreit said. “You’re a once-in-a-lifetime person, once-in-a-lifetime broadcaster. It’s been a special time for all of us as college football fans to watch you do your thing and celebrate this sport every Saturday in the fall. And having a chance to be sitting where I sat since 1996 and to look over and watch you, whether it was the headgear or saying something that nobody else would say, you’re brilliant.”

Herbtreit and Corso appeared particularly close on the show. Given the age gap between the two — Corso is 89 while Herbstreit is 55 — there was a mentor-like aspect to it all. The veteran ESPN analyst and former Ohio State quarterback spoke to that in his tribute to Corso.

“You and I have a special bond and always will,” Herbstreit said. “And I just really wanted to say how much I appreciate you, I love you, and enjoyed being your teammate throughout all these years. And you’ve earned this retirement, man. Congratulations, 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.”