Lee Corso

Lee Corso: The Eldest College Football Fan Who Still Brings the Heat!

Find out why Lee Corso remains college football's lovable 'grandpa' at 89, and the magic that happened on College GameDay!

Lee Corso has been a staple in college football for decades, known for his insightful analysis, eccentric wardrobe choices, and the ability to keep us all on our toes. As the lights go on for another season of ESPN’s College GameDay, fans are buzzing with excitement to see what this 89-year-old legend would predict. Just recently, during the show, Corso donned a leprechaun costume and performed a jig, all in a humorous effort to pick the Texas A&M Aggies over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Who knew an 89-year-old could steal the spotlight while simultaneously risking the Aggies’ playoff hopes with what fans have dubbed his 'kiss of death'? Nostalgia and laughter always accompany his presence, making him America’s beloved football granddad.

Kicking off his 32nd season on ESPN, Lee Corso was noticeably absent during the opening broadcast of the 2024 season in Dublin, Ireland. His delayed return raised eyebrows, leading fans to wonder about the legendary figure’s health and longevity in the game. When he eventually made it back to the desk, the cheers were deafening. Corso isn’t just an asset to the show; he embodies a living, breathing history of college football. Fans can’t help but reflect on how he’s transitioned from being Burt Reynolds’ college roommate to becoming an iconic sports analyst known for electrifying predictions and hilarious antics.

This season, the excitement reached new heights when Corso boldly declared the Texas Longhorns as his preseason national champions. His affectionate banter and off-the-wall predictions keep college football enthusiasts engaged, and many have embraced this merry, if somewhat zany, grandfather figure who lights up Saturday mornings across the nation. As College GameDay travels from campus to campus seeking those dramatic game-day moments, Corso’s signature trademark—a costumed mascot pick—is always highly anticipated.

He reminds all of us that sports are as much about heart, laughter, and community as they are about wins and losses. Although he may have walked the sidelines as a coach years ago, his coaching abilities transformed into predictions and sportsmanship with a dash of sparkle. Lee Corso isn’t just marking scores; he’s crafting cherished memories and entertainment that bring a touch of whimsy to the serious world of college football.

Fun fact: Corso holds the honorary title of the first sports analyst to put a mascot head on live television, creating a tradition that fans have come to know and love. And did you know? He once mentored legendary Ohio State coach Jim Tressel back in their college days. No wonder his insights on College GameDay are always spot-on!