Career Timeline of Lee Corso: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Lee Corso made an impact.

Lee Corso is an American sports broadcaster and college football analyst best known for his role on ESPN's College GameDay since 1987. A former coach, Corso gained prominence through his enthusiastic personality and signature headgear picks, where he dons the headgear of the team he predicts will win a featured game. His vibrant presence and memorable catchphrases have made him a beloved and iconic figure in college football broadcasting. He is known for his energetic style, humorous banter, and passion for the sport.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1962: Recruits Darryl Hill

In 1962, Lee Corso recruited Darryl Hill to transfer to Maryland from the Naval Academy. This made Hill the first African-American football player in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

1966: Defensive Backs Coach at Navy

In 1966, Lee Corso became the defensive backs coach at Navy.

1967: First Top-20 Ranking

In 1979, Indiana's victory over the Cougars propelled the team to 16th in the UPI poll, marking the Hoosiers' first top-20 ranking since 1967.

1969: Head Football Coach at Louisville

In 1969, Lee Corso began his tenure as the head football coach at the University of Louisville.

1970: Takes Louisville to Bowl Game

In 1970, Lee Corso coached Louisville to its second-ever bowl game.

1972: Hired by Indiana

After taking Louisville to a bowl game in 1970, Lee Corso was hired by Indiana University in 1972.

1972: Leaves Louisville, Hired by Indiana

In 1972, Lee Corso ended his time as head football coach at the University of Louisville and was hired by Indiana University.

1973: Coaching at Indiana

In 1973, Lee Corso began coaching at Indiana University.

1973: Head Football Coach at Indiana

In 1973, Lee Corso started as the head football coach at Indiana University Bloomington.

1979: Winning Season and Holiday Bowl

In 1979, Lee Corso led the Indiana Hoosiers to a winning season, ending with a 7-4 record and a trip to the Holiday Bowl where they beat the previously unbeaten BYU Cougars.

1980: Winning Season

In 1980, Lee Corso led Indiana to another winning season.

1982: Leaves Indiana

In 1982, Lee Corso was fired from his position at Indiana after coaching for ten years.

1984: Head Coach at Northern Illinois University

In 1984, Lee Corso became the head football coach at Northern Illinois University.

1985: Head Coach for Orlando Renegades

In 1985, Lee Corso became the head coach for the Orlando Renegades of the United States Football League.

1986: League Suspends Operations

In 1986, Lee Corso was slated to return to the Orlando Renegades, but the league suspended operations before the season began.

1987: Joins ESPN's College GameDay

In 1987, Lee Corso joined ESPN's College GameDay program as an analyst. He has been on the program since its inception.

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1987: Hired by ESPN

In 1987, Lee Corso was hired by ESPN as an analyst for its Saturday College GameDay program.

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1993: College GameDay Originated from Game Sites

Since 1993, ESPN's College GameDay program, featuring Lee Corso as an analyst, had originated from the site of one of the day's big games.

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2001: Soybean Crayon Effort

In 2001, Lee Corso spearheaded an effort to create a crayon completely out of soybeans while serving as Director of Business Development for Dixon Ticonderoga.

April 17, 2025: Retirement Announcement

On April 17, 2025, Lee Corso announced his retirement from broadcasting.

August 30, 2025: Final Appearance

Lee Corso's final broadcasting appearance is scheduled for August 30, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio, for Week 1 of ESPN College GameDay, covering a game between Texas and Ohio State.