National Football Foundation

Corso, one of college football's most knowledgeable, opinionated and engaging analysts, first appeared on ESPN's College GameDay as a contributor in 1987 and became a full-time analyst in 1989 after 28 years as a football coach, including head jobs at Louisville, Indiana, and Northern Illinois and assistant roles at Florida State, Maryland, and Navy. Corso retired from his legendary role with a final College GameDay appearance, making his 431st headgear pick during Week 1 of the 2025 season on Aug. 30.
 
Corso's influence on college football is unparalleled. Since joining ESPN's College GameDay, he has become synonymous with the excitement, unpredictability, and pageantry of the sport. Known for his expert analysis, humorous personality, memorable mascot headgear picks, and his trademark "Not so fast, my friend" catchphrase, Corso has helped turn the weekly broadcast into a cultural touchstone that transcends the game itself. His unique ability to combine storytelling, insight, and enthusiasm has educated fans while celebrating the players, coaches, and programs that have defined college football.

"Lee Corso is an icon in the world of college football broadcasting, a figure whose passion, insight, and infectious personality have brought the game into homes across the country for nearly four decades," said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. "His experiences as a player at Florida State and a college coach for more than a quarter century laid the foundation for what would become one of our sport's most colorful broadcasting careers, but it has been his creativity, quick wit, and marketing flair that have clearly set him apart as a broadcaster. We are eternally grateful for all he has done to build the next generation of college football fans. We are extremely pleased to name him the 2025 recipient of the NFF Chris Schenkel Award."
 
Corso played football and baseball at Florida State, earning four varsity letters in each. He is a member of the athletic Halls of Fame at FSU, Louisville and Indiana, in addition to the state of Florida Sports Hall of Fame and the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame. 
 
Corso previously took the NFF stage in 2006, when College GameDay received the NFF Outstanding Contribution to Amateur Football Award, joined by then-host Chris Fowler and analyst Kirk Herbstreit. This year, Corso will have the spotlight to himself as one of the recipients of an NFF Major Award. The 67th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas will also feature the induction of the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame Class, the presentation of the 2025 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards Presented by Fidelity Investments, and the 36th William V. Campbell Trophy® honoring the nation's top football scholar-athlete.