ESPN is faced with a significant decision as Lee Corso prepares for his upcoming retirement from College GameDay. They must resolve the fate of the show’s iconic headgear pick, a beloved tradition that prompts the question: Who will assume this legendary role, or will it even continue?
While ESPN has hinted at a plan, specifics are under wraps until closer to the 2025 season. The uncertainty leaves fans speculating about a segment that has become almost synonymous with Corso.
Kirk Herbstreit has voiced his thoughts, expressing that the headgear should remain Corso’s legacy. In a conversation with The Athletic’s David Ubben in 2022, he stated, “I feel like that’s a Lee Corso thing… I can’t imagine another person putting on the headgear… Whoever that person is, I can’t imagine them feeling comfortable being asked to put on a headgear.” With both Desmond Howard and Nick Saban unlikely candidates to take over this tradition, speculation is now turning to Pat McAfee.
Known for his electrifying segments, McAfee could be a captivating choice to take over the headgear pick. As noted by Awful Announcing’s Ben Koo back in November 2023, McAfee’s dynamic style has resonated with audiences, especially in Corso’s absence, during which his spirited, wrestling promo-style picks have gained significant popularity. Each session invariably culminates in an enthusiastic eruption from the crowd, often culminating in the most talked-about clips from the show.
I had no idea what to expect when I came aht here to Utah..
THIS PLACE IS AWESOME..
🗣️🗣️THE UTAH UTES DON’T LOSE AT HOME AND TODAY THEY AIN’T LOSING
#CollegeGameday pic.twitter.com/6n7blmsgek
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 28, 2023
While McAfee seems a likely candidate to close the show given his success in Corso’s absence, the question remains whether he would incorporate the headgear tradition into his routine. Although it might seem fitting for him to embrace this aspect, McAfee’s approach is notably different from Corso’s. The headgear picks were characterized by fun and humor, setting a lighter tone for the event, whereas McAfee infuses a WWE-like flamboyance that may clash with the spirit of the tradition. Incorporating a Corso-style moment into McAfee’s high-energy style could come off as forced, especially when his current closing act resonates so well with the audience.
Furthermore, McAfee’s situation is complicated by his contract with College GameDay, which has been settled on a year-to-year basis, making it difficult to predict whether ESPN will hand over the reins of such a pivotal segment to him.
The challenge ESPN faces is considerable, as they must weigh the importance of honoring Corso’s legacy while keeping GameDay fresh and engaging. Whatever decision is made will be closely watched, particularly regarding how they handle Corso’s retirement and whether the headgear pick will live on in some form.
Additional information about GameDay’s 2025 season, including plans concerning Corso’s retirement, is due to be revealed as the season approaches.
