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Ryan Day celebrates Lee Corso ahead of final College GameDay show in Columbus

Stephen Samraby: Steve Samra08/29/25SamraSource
Ryan Day
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Lee Corso will be participating in his final edition of ESPN College GameDay on Saturday. It’ll be the debut episode of the 2025 season, and a special send-off for a college football legend. 

He’s expected to don the headgear for either Ohio State or Texas, marking one final farewell after more than 400 games doing so. Buckeyes coach Ryan Day couldn’t be more elated that it’s happening in Columbus.

He delivered some kind words about Corso during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Friday “When it’s all said and done, we all want to have an impact. And Lee Corso’s had an impact — not only as a coach with the players and coaches he was around, but also here on GameDay at ESPN with everything he’s done. He’s brought so much enjoyment and celebration to the sport,” Day stated.

“He’s always been a very positive guy, someone who builds people up. And in a day and age where it’s easy to rip people down, to be negative, he’s never been that. He’s built people up. He’s certainly made an impact as a coach and on the game, but also as an ambassador later in life. He’s done so many great things, and he’s earned the respect of everybody here.”

All in all, Corso has had some truly heartwarming moments over the course of his long swan song. He donned his 400th headgear during the 2023 season, which ESPN went all out for. But what he means to the game is hard to summarize. In many ways, Lee Corso is college football.

“I just remember all the different times, not only when I’ve been the head coach at Ohio State, but before then, of putting on the Brutus head and what came with that,” Day said earlier this week, via WBNS 10TV. “And so for him to be here for his last mascot game and his last year means a lot to all of us. We thank him for everything he’s done. He’s made a lot of impact on a lot of people and I appreciate him.”

So will it be Ohio State or Texas for Corso on Saturday? Only the longtime, beloved analyst knows. Regardless, Day’s love and appreciation for Corso will remain strong, whether he’s going out there against the Longhorns to prove him right, or prove him wrong.