“A real professional, has been a part of the show and the tradition of the show for 20-something years. We’re all gonna miss him.” Four decades. 38 amazing seasons. Every once in a while, fans find themselves glued to a single analyst—not just for the sharp takes or flawless commentary, but for the legacy they build. So we kid you not when we say when GameDay rolls in, all eyes lock onto one thing—Lee Corso and his iconic headgear pick.

It’s more than just tradition; it’s the heartbeat of Saturday mornings and a legacy built over decades. But like they say, all good things must come to an end. With Corso’s retirement inching closer, college football is bracing for a bittersweet goodbye. Still, don’t count the old legend out just yet—he’s got one last “hoo-rah” left in him.

“With Texas at Ohio State on Fox, it appears Lee Corso’s last headgear game Aug. 30 is Alabama at Florida State, his alma mater,” Brett McMurphy hints on X. August 30th is shaping up to be a massive heartbreaker. Not only is it the final broadcast for Lee Corso, but it will also probably be the final time we see the old-timer carry out his headgear choice.

Honestly? Only one thing can make this event ‘not sad’: “Corso should dress as Chief Osceola, throw a flaming spear on the @CollegeGameDay desk for his final pick, then ride Renegade off into the sunset.” Or at least that’s what McMurphy suggests.

As the only original cast member still standing, Corso’s exit marks a monumental shift for the cable giant. GameDay has seen its fair share of faces come and go, but Corso? He’s been the soul of the show. Honestly, it still feels like October 5, 1996—remember that moment?

Kirk Herbstreit had just locked in his pick for Ohio State before the clash with Penn State, and out of nowhere, Corso pulled the ultimate surprise, throwing on Brutus Buckeye’s head. That wasn’t just a pick—it was a memory etched into college football history. As of now, it is almost a waiting game for us and the fans. Who comes after Corso? Will ESPN stop the headgear tradition? Or is there another HC that is just waiting to be crowned the next picker for the iconic segment?

Nick Saban?

“Coach Corso, he’s a legend. Putting on the hat every week as who’s going to win. I mean everybody in America knows what that means.” When we think about it, Nick Saban does make a good pick for becoming the next headgear expert for ESPN.

Hearing Saban talk about Corso’s retirement really does provoke that deep respect the retired HC has for Lee. And we think this could translate perfectly when it comes to carrying out that legacy, which Lee Corso started. Even Rick Burgess joked about it, asking Saban if ESPN would ask him to carry out the tradition.

“Well, I hope not,” was what Nick Saban had to confess, but some fans would like to say otherwise. Saban has always been the man with rules and that serious face. Even when Shane Gillis cracked the iconic Alabama Jones joke, Saban didn’t even crack a smile.

To watch that man don a large headgear for the pick? It’s going to make a lot of people happy.