This fall, ESPN’s College GameDay is set to unveil a fresh new look as it returns to its regular Saturday time slot, airing from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. E.T. during the college football season. While the tradition is strong, fans will notice a significant change as two beloved personalities bid farewell to the show.
One of the most notable departures is legendary analyst Lee Corso, a fixture on College GameDay for nearly three decades. Corso has announced his retirement, with his final appearance scheduled for Week 1 of the season. Reflecting on his career, he expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunities he had at ESPN, stating, “My family and I will be forever indebted for the opportunity to be part of ESPN and College GameDay for nearly 40 years.” The iconic analyst has left an indelible mark on college football, becoming synonymous with the excitement and anticipation of game day.
Corso’s journey began in 1996, and over the years, he has created countless memories with fans, friends, and colleagues. He acknowledged the support of ESPN during his tenure, particularly in recent years, and offered special thanks to Kirk Herbstreit for his friendship. His contributions to the show have shaped the experience for viewers and players alike, and he will be greatly missed when he signs off.
Corso isn’t the only departure; ESPN reporter Gene Wojciechowski, who has also been a significant part of College GameDay, has officially left the network, with his last day marked at the end of May. His departure after nearly 28 years highlights a season of change at ESPN.
As College GameDay prepares for the upcoming season, fans can still look forward to familiar faces. Desmond Howard and Kirk Herbstreit will be back, along with host Rece Davis and analysts Pat McAfee and Nick Saban. However, Saban humorously noted that he won’t be stepping into Corso’s iconic role of selecting game winners with his signature headgear pick, emphasizing Corso’s unique legacy and impact on the show.
With this new season on the horizon, fans are eager to see how the show evolves and what fresh elements will be introduced while honoring the rich tradition that has made College GameDay a staple of college football culture. The absence of longtime favorites will certainly be felt, but the excitement of a new chapter awaits as college football kicks off once again.
