ESPN was in a no-win situation.
With Lee Corso set to make his final appearance on College GameDay, the network had a tough choice to make: send the show to Columbus for the marquee Week 1 matchup between Texas and Ohio State, or bring it to Tallahassee — Corso’s alma mater — as a tribute to the man who helped define the show’s identity for nearly four decades.
It chose Columbus. And for fans of college football, it’s understandable. For the Corso family, it’s disappointing.
“As a family of Seminoles, yes, it was disappointing, but at the same time, it will be fun to watch his last GameDay and headgear in Columbus.” Dan Corso, Lee’s son, told the Tallahassee Democrat.
Florida State was more than just a sentimental option. The Seminoles will host Alabama in one of Week 1’s most compelling games, and the potential return to FSU for Corso’s farewell had real meaning. This wasn’t just about where he played college football. It’s where the Corso family story began.
There’s no overstating what the school means to the Corso family. Lee played at FSU for four years. Twelve members of the family have graduated from the university, including his children and grandchildren. It’s also where Dan met his wife.
Tallahassee would’ve made for a perfect full-circle moment. GameDay hasn’t visited since 2014 despite 36 appearances overall. For Lee Corso’s farewell, this could have — maybe should have — been the place.
Still, it’s hard to blame ESPN for picking Ohio State–Texas. The Buckeyes are the defending national champions. Arch Manning is making his debut as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback. And Columbus holds a special place in GameDay history, being that it’s where Corso first put on a mascot head, donning Brutus Buckeye in 1996 to pick Ohio State over Penn State.
That moment helped create one of college football’s great traditions, and now it’s where he’ll make his final one.
Still, it’s hard not to wonder what might’ve been if ESPN had made the more personal choice.
“He was consistent with his love for FSU and the pageantry and tradition of college football, and on a weekly basis for 38 years, reminded everyone that college football is a great form of entertainment,” Dan said.