The countdown is on for College GameDay’s Week 1 showdown in Columbus! Ohio State vs. Texas promises gridiron fireworks, but it’s Lee Corso’s final broadcast that will capture hearts. What’s your favorite Corso memory from nearly 30 years of headgear picks?
The much-anticipated Week 1 of the College Football 2025 season is set to kick off with an electrifying College GameDay broadcast from Columbus, Ohio, where the No. 3 Ohio State Football team will host the No. 1 Texas Longhorns. This pivotal matchup not only pits two powerhouse programs against each other but also marks a profoundly significant moment for ESPN Football as it hosts the final broadcast of legendary analyst Lee Corso.
ESPN faced a challenging decision with two top-10 matchups vying for the College GameDay spotlight in Week 1: Clemson versus LSU, and the marquee clash between Ohio State and Texas. The network ultimately chose Columbus, Ohio, a city deeply entrenched in college football history and home to the program with the most all-time College GameDay appearances. This choice underscores the immense gravitational pull of this particular game and its historic implications for the program’s legacy.
The broadcast will serve as a heartfelt tribute to Lee Corso, whose distinguished career spanning nearly three decades has made him a beloved and iconic figure in College Football. His decision to make Week 1 his final show adds an emotional layer to an already high-stakes encounter. Viewers can expect a celebratory atmosphere, filled with reflections on his memorable moments and lasting impact on the sport.
Host Rece Davis will lead the College GameDay panel, joined by a star-studded lineup including Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee, and Nick Saban. The program is scheduled to air on ESPN Football at 9 a.m. ET, leading directly into the noon kickoff between the Buckeyes and Longhorns at Ohio Stadium. This extensive coverage ensures fans are fully immersed in the pre-game excitement.
Ohio State Football boasts an unparalleled record in hosting College GameDay, with a remarkable 67 appearances, significantly more than any other program. This rich history, coupled with their record of 40 wins when the show is in attendance, solidifies Columbus as a quintessential College Football destination. The faithful Ohio State Football fanbase consistently delivers an electric atmosphere, making it an ideal backdrop for such a monumental broadcast.
As the final College GameDay for Lee Corso, speculation is rife regarding the guest picker for the Columbus show. While a representative with Ohio State Football ties is customary, ESPN might opt for a unique selection given the circumstances. Potential candidates with Ohio State connections include A.J. Hawk, C.J. Stroud, Garrett Wilson, and Joe Burrow. Alternatively, a Texas Longhorns legend like Matthew McConaughey, Vince Young, or Bijan Robinson could be featured, or even a member of the Corso family for a truly special moment.
The Week 1 broadcast is anticipated to be laden with emotional tributes to Lee Corso. A preview show ahead of Week Zero already saw poignant messages and a visibly emotional Kirk Herbstreit struggling through his speech. The event at Ohio Stadium promises a similar outpouring of affection and gratitude for Corso’s contributions to College GameDay, culminating in his final, much-anticipated headgear pick, a tradition that has captivated College Football fans for decades. This marks a truly historic moment in College Football 2025.
