ESPN's "College GameDay" will never be the same without Lee Corso.
The longtime college football coach, who has been a commentator for nearly four decades, has blessed us with his wisdom, analysis, personality, and, most importantly, his legendary headgear prediction.
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The Corso era came to an end. ESPN confirmed on Thursday that he will officially retire after 38 years and will make his final appearance in Week 1 of the 2025 season on Aug. 30.
Florida State football will face Alabama on that day.
The host site has yet to be determined. However, it is only right to send Corso to where it all began: his alma mater.
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Lee Corso should return to his alma mater
They don't call Corso "Sunshine Scooter" for nothing.
Corso began his college football career at Florida State, where he played all four years as a quarterback and cornerback from 1953 to 1957.
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Known for his quickness in coverage as a DB, which led to his nickname, he set the school record for most career interceptions (14) in school history. He held that record for two decades.
Corso graduated with a bachelor's degree in physical education and a master's in administration and supervision. He transitioned into coaching when he became a graduate assistant for one year at his alma mater.
Seminoles fans would be thrilled if Corso put on either the Cherokee headdress or his leather FSU helmet, and the Marching Chiefs play the Warchant while thousands of fans lose their minds over Corso's prediction.
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At the same time, Corso could go the other way by picking the Crimson Tide and wearing the Big Al headgear. It wouldn't be the first time.
NATIONAL COLUMN: Lee Corso to leave ESPN's 'College GameDay.' He'll take soul of college football with him
'College GameDay' doesn't travel to Florida State often
"College GameDay" has a history with Florida State.
Its first roadshow was in South Bend, when FSU faced Notre Dame in 1993. At the time, the Seminoles were the second-ranked team in the country and faced No. 5 Notre Dame during that year.
FSU has hosted nine times in its history. The first time was in 1995 against Miami. The last time was in 2014 when the Seminoles faced Notre Dame.
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More: What is Lee Corso's headgear record picking Florida State, his alma mater?
FSU vs. Alabama is a marquee game, but so is Texas-Ohio State
College Gameday usually chooses the best matchups of the week. FSU's competition is Ohio State. Corso is beloved in Columbus because his first headgear selection was Brutus Buckeye. His history with the Buckeyes could prevent him from returning to his alma mater.
The storylines for either team could be challenging compared to the Texas vs. Ohio State matchup.
Alabama is coming off a down year at 9-4, and the Seminoles had one of their worst seasons in program history at 2-10.
Ohio State is coming off a national championship victory over Notre Dame. Texas lost to the Buckeyes in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff. Quarterback Arch Manning, a potential Heisman candidate, will lead the Longhorns.
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Both teams are expected to be in the Top 5 in the polls. So, in theory, having "College GameDay" in Columbus seems like a no-brainer.
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Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Should Lee Corso return to FSU for his final 'College GameDay'?