Kirk Herbstreit Sparks Controversy with Bold Stance Against Lee Corso’s Family Views

So, here we go again with the classic family turf war—but instead of Thanksgiving dinner dramas, it’s ESPN’s College GameDay kickin’ off the 2025 season smack dab in Columbus, Ohio. Now, Kirk Herbstreit’s totally convinced it’s the “perfect” spot for Lee Corso’s grand finale after nearly four decades of mascot-head magic—but wait, Corso’s family? They’re dreaming of Tallahassee’s sunny climes and an FSU vs. Alabama showdown, honoring Corso’s beloved Seminoles roots. It’s a bit like picking between your first love and your hometown team, and honestly, that’s the kind of gripping drama college football is all about—not to mention the last GameDay ever with Corso. So, who’s right? The heart or the history? Either way, it’s one heck of a send-off. LEARN MORE.

ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso’s family do not agree on the location of the first “College GameDay” of the 2025 college football regular season.

The Worldwide Leader announced earlier in June that the first “College GameDay” of the season would take place in Columbus, Ohio. ESPN’s “College GameDay” will head to Ohio ahead of the Ohio State vs. Texas game on Saturday, Aug. 30. The show will be the final one of Corso’s career, who has been with the college football pregame show since its inception in 1987.

The Ohio State vs. Texas game is arguably the biggest non-conference game of the season. Columbus, Ohio is also where Corso did his first-ever mascot-head pick. It’s a “perfect” pick, according to Herbstreit.

“Perfect setting for one last ride! Coach’s ‘First Love’ as he says!!” Herbstreit wrote on X.

But Corso’s family seems to disagree.

Perfect setting for one last ride!
Coach’s “First Love” as he says!! https://t.co/GyCqZunjCc

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) June 10, 2025

Corso’s family wishes that the ESPN college football pregame show would be heading to Tallahassee, Florida for the FSU vs. Alabama game. Florida State is Corso’s alma mater and where he began his college football coaching career.

The son of the iconic “College GameDay” analyst expressed his disappointment with ESPN’s decision to go to Ohio State for his dad’s final show.

“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.

Corso’s family said his love for FSU was consistent.

“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.

His final show, though, will be elsewhere.

Regardless, Corso remains forever indebted to the college football pregame show.

“My family and I will be forever indebted for the opportunity to be part of ESPN and College GameDay for nearly 40 years,” he said during his retirement announcement. “I have a treasure of many friends, fond memories and some unusual experiences to take with me into retirement.”

Corso added: “ESPN has been exceptionally generous to me, especially these past few years. They accommodated me and supported me, as did my colleagues in the early days of College GameDay. Special thanks to Kirk Herbstreit for his friendship and encouragement. And lest I forget, the fans…truly a blessing to share this with them. ESPN gave me this wonderful opportunity and provided me the support to ensure success. I am genuinely grateful.”

It’ll be a fun final show no matter where it is.