There are moments in college football when nostalgia just sweeps you off your cleats. Days that remind you why this sport isn’t just games and scores, but also legends, laughter, and community. Yesterday was one of those days. Think back to those lazy Saturday mornings when you turn on the TV and hear that one voice on ESPN that always made you smile, sometimes roll your eyes, and always feel like you were part of a family. Can you picture the helmet picks, the wild predictions, and the goofy mascot heads? Yeah, you’re picturing that guy. It was Lee Corso’s birthday yesterday.

So, what makes this day so special? College football is full of iconic coaches and beloved TV personalities. But sometimes, it’s the ones who surprise us with their tireless enthusiasm that leave the biggest mark. Maybe you’ve quoted Corso’s “Not so fast, my friend!” or seen him pull off wild studio pranks. If you’re a real fan, you know there have been tributes pouring in all over social media. And right there in the thick of the celebration is Tim Brando, an announcer who knows a thing or two about legends, who’s making sure that nobody forgets what this birthday means.

Brando hit send on a tweet that nails the spirit of the occasion. The tweet read, “Lee Corso’s Birthday 🎂💜 is today. Lee’s one of those rare commodities that always seemed timeless. I can only think of one other TV personality who’s career started in his 50’s but saw the best of times in the twilight of his career in his 80’s or late 70s…Regis Philbin. Great memories and times spent with this legend when his talent and football 🏈 acumen stretched from the studio to the booth as well.” You hear that, college football fans? Tim Brando is putting Corso in the same breath as Regis Philbin, a titan of TV longevity, and calling out how Corso has thrived late in life, not just showing up but delivering magic well into his eighth decade.

And if you’ve ever tuned in on a Saturday morning, you know exactly what Brando means. Lee Corso reinvented what it means to be a studio analyst. He’s the one who brought a big personality and an even bigger heart, turning the helmet pick into a ritual, sparking banter with Kirk Herbstreit, and becoming college football’s fun uncle. Brando’s tweet reminds us that “legend’ isn’t just a word we toss around. It’s earned. It’s carved out over seasons of outrageous one-liners, off-the-wall predictions, and a passion that managed to bridge generations. Hands on hearts here, how many of you still judge your team’s chances by Corso’s pick?

As Corso celebrates his 90th birthday, the whole sport seems to pause and tip its cap. ESPN’s already in motion for a tribute special, and this season, he’ll make his last headgear pick on GameDay, a moment bound to leave the crowd roaring and maybe a few eyes misty. So the question for college football fans is, ‘Who can ever replace the laughs, the wisdom, and the sheer joy Corso brought?’ As Tim Brando and the sport’s big names have said loud and clear, Corso’s legacy is the kind you hope every new analyst studies. Because to be timeless? In college football, there’s only one Lee Corso.

A legendary career celebrated

Lee Corso’s 90th birthday has rolled out a flood of emotion and respect, reminding fans everywhere just how much one man can mean to college football. Indiana Football jumped in early, posting “Happy birthday, Coach Corso,” with a photo of him smiling in an Indiana sweater, a nod to Corso’s lasting impact from his days on the Hoosiers’ sideline. ESPN’s vice president, Bill Hofheimer, added to the celebration, saying, “Happy 90th birthday to ESPN’s Lee Corso! LC’s final @CollegeGameDay show will be Aug. 30 in Columbus. Our crew is going to have a very special send-off for all he’s meant to college football.” You get the sense that everyone involved knows this goodbye would be a celebration of one of the greatest broadcasters ever.

Corso’s friends chimed in, too. Rece Davis posted a heartfelt message, “Happy 90th! Thanks for being a great friend and teammate,” and you could see the true connection between the GameDay personalities. ESPN’s official account picked up Corso’s signature phrase, posting “Not so fast, my friend!” as hordes of fans and colleagues rallied online with best wishes and stories about the legend’s unique energy and charm.

If you’re a true college football fan, mark your calendar for August 22, when ESPN airs a one-hour primetime special to salute Corso’s legacy as a player, coach, and the unforgettable face of Saturday mornings. For decades, he’s shaped conversations, shaped communities, and brought fans together with every headgear pick. As he heads toward retirement, college football is clearly ready to honor one of its brightest and most enduring stars.