Introduction
Lee Corso—the legendary and beloved face of ESPN’s College GameDay—concluded his iconic television career on August 30, 2025, in a heartfelt and memorable finale. As he transitioned into retirement, fans all over the country celebrated both his astonishing contributions to college football and the enduring support of his wife, Betsy Youngblood. In this article, we explore four key themes:
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Lee Corso’s wife — the woman behind the legacy
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Who did he “pick today”? — his final on-air mascot prediction
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The “final pick” — the enduring tradition that ended with him
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The “last show” — the emotional farewell at Ohio Stadium
1. Lee Corso’s Wife
A Marriage of Nearly 70 Years
Lee Corso has often credited his long and fulfilling career to the steadfast support of his wife, Betsy Youngblood. Married since 1957, the couple marked nearly 69 years together by 2025. They met as college students at Florida State, forging a bond that would endure through decades of public life and personal trials.
Family Through the Years
Together, Lee and Betsy raised four children and celebrated the joy of 10 grandchildren YahooWikipedia. While Corso’s on-screen persona was exuberant and charismatic, he often highlighted the quiet strength and encouragement Betsy provided off-screen—particularly during challenging moments.
A Rock Through Adversity
When Corso suffered a major stroke in 2009, the couple’s bond was tested. The event left him temporarily unable to speak and partially paralyzed. Yet, with rehabilitation and unyielding support—most likely from family, including Betsy—he returned to GameDay later that same year, continuing for another 16 years on the program.
2. Who Did He “Pick Today”?
The Tradition of the Mascot Pick
Since October 5, 1996, Corso concluded each show with a mascot headgear prediction—often accompanied by his catchphrase, “Not so fast, my friend!”. That first iconic pick—wearing the Brutus Buckeye head before Ohio State vs. Penn State—became a signature moment in college football broadcasting.
August 30, 2025: The Final Pick
On that historic Saturday in Columbus, Ohio, Corso chose Ohio State over Texas, donning the Brutus Buckeye head for the final time. It was his 431st headgear pick, and a fitting tribute to tradition—Ohio State was not only the team he picked most often, but also the location of his first ever mascot headgear moment.
3. The “Final Pick”
The Records Behind the Ritual
Over his nearly four decades on College GameDay, Corso made 431 mascot headgear selections with a win record of 286–144. Ohio State emerged as his most frequent and successful pick: 46 selections, resulting in 31 wins.
According to College GameDay archives, the schools he favored included:
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Ohio State – 46 picks (31–14)
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Alabama – 38 picks (28–10)
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LSU – 25 picks (18–7)
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Florida – 22 picks (15–7)
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Oregon – 21 picks (14–7)
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USC – 17 picks (17–0).
A Sentimental Conclusion
Corso’s final pick served not just as a sports prediction, but as a deeply symbolic moment: returning to the place where the tradition began, selecting the same team, and closing a chapter that spanned an era in broadcasting.
4. The “Last Show”
An Emotional Goodbye in Columbus
His final appearance on College GameDay, August 30, 2025, at Ohio Stadium, was laden with emotion. The site held poignant resonance—the same stadium where he first donned Brutus Buckeye back in 1996.
A Star-Studded Tribute
The show featured heartfelt tributes from peers and fans alike.
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Co-hosts Rece Davis, Desmond Howard, and Kirk Herbstreit paid tribute to Corso’s legacy.
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Ohio State coach Ryan Day and passionate fans in Columbus delivered moving acknowledgments.
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Former colleague Chris Fowler made a surprise appearance to travel back in time to honor Corso.
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A tribute video with messages from celebrities, family, and broadcasters preceded the broadcast, setting a warm, emotional tone.
The Legacy Continues—Just Without the Headgear
ESPN confirmed that the mascot headgear tradition would end with Corso’s retirement. As the show moves forward, successors like Rece Davis, Desmond Howard, Kirk Herbstreit, Pat McAfee, and others will carry the torch—without the famed ritual.
5. Why These Moments Still Resonate
A Legacy Beyond Numbers
Lee Corso wasn’t just a broadcaster—he was a Saturday tradition, a comforting presence, and a bringer of smiles for generations of college football fans. His dramatic flair, trademark headgear, and candor turned College GameDay into more than a sports show—it became a cultural institution beginning in 1987 and lasting until 2025.
The Power of Family
Behind every great public figure, there’s often a quiet rock. For Corso, that was Betsy Youngblood—married since 1957, unwavering in her support, and integral to his personal and professional endurance. Their nearly 69-year-long marriage, enduring through every headgear pick and health scare, highlights the personal story behind the legend.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Wife | Betsy Youngblood—married since 1957; nearly 69 years together by 2025; four children, ten grandchildren |
| “Pick Today” | Corso’s final headgear pick on August 30, 2025: Ohio State over Texas |
| Final Pick Stats | 431 total picks; 286–144 record; Ohio State—most picked (46) and most wins (31) |
| Last Show | Emotional farewell at Ohio Stadium; tributes from colleagues, family, and fans; headgear tradition ends with his retirement |
Final Thoughts
Lee Corso’s retirement marks the end of a golden era in college football broadcasting. His on-air exuberance, trademark headgear rituals, and enduring warmth made College GameDay an indelible part of sports culture. Yet, behind the laughs and cheers was a long, loving partnership with his wife, Betsy—a union that stood firm through it all. As the curtain closes on Corso’s broadcasts, the memories, traditions, and personal legacy he leaves behind endure in the hearts of fans everywhere.
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