When sports fans hear the name Lee Corso, they instantly think of his iconic role on ESPN’s College GameDay and his legendary catchphrase, “Not so fast, my friend!”. Over the years, Corso has become more than just a coach turned analyst—he’s a cultural Figure in college football.
Born in 1935, Lee Corso has built a long and impressive career that spans playing, coaching, and broadcasting. Many fans today are curious about Lee Corso’s age, career milestones, and personal journey, as he continues to remain a beloved Figure in the sports world.
As of 2025, Lee Corso is 90years old, showing incredible resilience and dedication to the sport he loves. His career has transitioned from being on the sidelines as a head coach to entertaining millions of viewers every Saturday morning during college football season.
While his advanced age has made him scale back his on-air appearances at times, Corso’s passion for the game remains stronger than ever.
This article takes a deep dive into who Lee Corso is, his early life, career achievements, net worth, luxurious lifestyle, and prospects. We’ll also highlight fun facts, hobbies, and how he has managed to maintain such an enduring legacy in American sports culture.
Whether you’re here to learn about how old Lee Corso is, his net worth, or his College GameDay journey, this guide covers it all in a detailed, SEO-optimized format for fans and researchers alike.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Lee Richard Corso |
| Date of Birth | August 7, 1935 |
| Age (2025) | 90 years old |
| Birthplace | Lake Mary, Florida, USA |
| Ethnicity | Italian-American |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Parents | Father: Alessandro Corso (barber), Mother: Irma Corso (cafeteria worker) |
| Siblings | Not widely documented |
| Education | Florida State University (B.A. in Physical Education, 1957; Master’s in Administration & Supervision, 1958) |
| Career | Football Coach: Assistant at Maryland (1958–1965), Head Coach at Louisville (1969–1972), Indiana University (1973–1982), and Northern Illinois (1984). Broadcasting Career: College football analyst on ESPN’s College GameDay since 1987. |
| Known For | Famous ESPN analyst known for humorous commentary and putting on mascot headgear during College GameDay predictions |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Betsy Youngblood (married in 1956 – present) |
| Children | 4 children (2 sons and two daughters) |
| Grandchildren | Several, though, names are kept private |
| Body Type | Average |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Gray/White |
| Notable Health | Suffered a stroke in 2009 but recovered and continued working with ESPN |
| Hobbies/Interests | Golf, football strategy, and mentoring young athletes |
| Residence | Lake Mary, Florida |
| Net Worth (2025) | $12 million (primarily from ESPN salary, past coaching contracts, endorsements, and speaking engagements) |
Who is Lee Corso?
Lee Corso is a former American football coach and long-time sports broadcaster, best known for his role as an analyst on ESPN’s College GameDay. He was born on August 7, 1935, in Lake Mary, Florida, to Italian immigrant parents. Growing up in a working-class family, Corso developed a love for sports early in life, particularly football and baseball. His passion for athletics set the stage for a career that would eventually span decades.
In college, Corso played quarterback and cornerback for Florida State University (FSU). His skills on the field quickly gained attention, and he earned a reputation for being both tough and smart. Although he didn’t go on to play professionally in the NFL, his love for the game carried him into coaching.
After starting his coaching career as an assistant, Corso became a head coach at Louisville (1969–1972), Indiana University (1973–1982), and Northern Illinois (1984). During his coaching years, he gained respect as a strategist and motivator, despite never leading a team to a national championship. His ability to connect with players and his deep knowledge of the game made him a well-regarded Figure in college football.
Corso’s biggest breakthrough, however, came not from coaching but from broadcasting. In 1987, he joined ESPN’s College GameDay, where he became a household name. His trademark headgear selections—where he dons the mascot head of his predicted winning team—have become a beloved tradition for fans nationwide.
Today, Lee Corso is celebrated as an icon of college football broadcasting, thanks to his humor, energy, and larger-than-life personality, which have made him a favorite among generations of fans. Despite health challenges, including a stroke in 2009, Corso continues to inspire with his resilience and love for the game.
Early Life and Background
Lee Corso’s early life played a big role in shaping the man he would become.
- Birth and Family Roots: Born on August 7, 1935, in Lake Mary, Florida, to Italian immigrant parents, Corso was raised in a modest, hardworking household.
- Sports Passion: He excelled in both football and baseball as a child, quickly earning a reputation for his athletic ability.
- College Years: Corso attended Florida State University, where he became the starting quarterback and cornerback. He was admired not just for his athletic talent but also for his leadership on the field.
- Academic Dedication: Alongside his sports career, he focused on academics, laying the foundation for a career that would later combine intelligence with charisma.
- Early Challenges: Corso’s humble beginnings taught him the value of perseverance, a trait that would guide him throughout his coaching and broadcasting journey.
This foundation of discipline, family values, and a passion for sports helped Corso build a career that spanned nearly seven decades.
Personal Life and Relationships
Lee Corso’s personal life is as inspiring as his professional one, showing the importance of family, love, and resilience.
- Marriage: Lee Corso has been married to his wife, Betsy Corso, since 1956. Their marriage has lasted for nearly seven decades, making it one of the most enduring partnerships in sports broadcasting history.
- The couple has four children, who often speak about their father’s humor, dedication, and love for family life.
- Health Challenges: In 2009, Corso suffered a major stroke that affected his speech and movement. With determination and family support, he made a remarkable recovery and returned to ESPN, inspiring millions.
- Faith and Positivity: Corso has often spoken about his faith and positive outlook on life, which helped him overcome personal challenges.
- Privacy: Despite being a public Figure, he has managed to keep much of his family life private, focusing media attention on his professional career rather than personal matters.
Lee Corso’s long-lasting marriage and dedication to his children showcase the balance he has maintained between his personal and professional lives.
Career and Achievements
Lee Corso’s career spans both coaching and broadcasting, with notable highlights along the way.
- Coaching Career:
- Head coach at Louisville (1969–1972).
- Head coach at Indiana University (1973–1982), where he famously led the team to the 1979 Holiday Bowl victory.
- Head coach at Northern Illinois (1984).
- Transition to Broadcasting: After his coaching career, Corso transitioned into television, joining ESPN in 1987.
- College GameDay Legacy: His role as a lead analyst and entertainer on ESPN’s College GameDay cemented his place as a cultural icon. His mascot headgear tradition became a fan favorite.
- Awards and Honors:
- Inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame.
- Recognized with numerous lifetime achievement awards for contributions to sports broadcasting.
- Longevity: Few sports personalities have remained as relevant for as long as Corso, who has been active in the field for nearly 70 years.
His career achievements highlight both his knowledge of football and his ability to connect with audiences across generations.
Net Worth Overview
Lee Corso has built significant wealth over the years through coaching and broadcasting. His estimated net worth is around $12 million as of 2025.
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Major Income Source |
| 2020 | $8 million | Broadcasting, ESPN salary |
| 2021 | $9 million | Continued broadcasting |
| 2022 | $10 million | ESPN College GameDay |
| 2023 | $11 million | Endorsements & media |
| 2024 | $11.5 million | ESPN & appearances |
| 2025 | $12 million | Broadcasting, brand deals |
- Consistency: His net worth shows steady growth over the past few years.
- Broadcasting Power: The majority of his wealth comes from his work with ESPN.
- Stability: Despite scaling back on appearances due to health, his financial stability remains strong.
Major Sources of Income
Lee Corso’s wealth comes from several streams, which have contributed to his multi-million-dollar net worth:
- ESPN Salary: Long-time analyst on College GameDay.
- Endorsements: Occasional endorsements tied to sports brands.
- Coaching Career: Salaries from his years as head coach at major universities.
- Public Speaking: Guest appearances and motivational speaking engagements.
- Media Presence: Earnings from documentaries, interviews, and football-related shows.
These income streams have kept Corso financially secure, allowing him to maintain his luxurious lifestyle.
Luxurious Lifestyle
Even at his advanced age, Lee Corso enjoys the fruits of his successful career.
- Real Estate: Lives in a comfortable home in Florida, reflecting his love for sunshine and family life.
- Travel: Frequently travels with ESPN for College GameDay appearances across the country.
- Cars: Owns a modest collection of vehicles, though he is not known for extravagant car purchases.
- Family-Centered Life: His luxury comes more from time spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren than flashy spending.
- Legacy of Comfort: His earnings ensure a stable and enjoyable retirement lifestyle.
Corso’s version of luxury focuses more on comfort, family, and legacy rather than high-profile extravagance.
Hobbies and Fun Facts
Lee Corso has a lighter side that fans love to know about:
- Mascot Headgear: His tradition of wearing mascot heads on College GameDay started in 1996 and remains one of the show’s most anticipated moments.
- Sense of Humor: Known for his comedic timing and jokes, he often lightens the mood on set.
- Baseball Dreams: As a young man, he once turned down a $5,000 signing bonus from the Brooklyn Dodgers to pursue college football.
- Love for Travel: Enjoys exploring new cities when traveling for ESPN.
- Storytelling: Corso is a gifted storyteller, often sharing behind-the-scenes football tales.
- Nickname: Known affectionately as “The Sunshine Scooter” during his playing days at FSU.
- Mentor: Has mentored younger analysts and broadcasters, shaping the next generation of sports media personalities.
- Resilience: His comeback after a stroke is a testament to his strong will and determination.
- Fan Connection: He is beloved not just by colleagues but also by millions of fans across the country.
Future Prospects
Despite his advanced age, Lee Corso’s presence in sports continues to be valuable.
- Broadcasting Legacy: He may reduce live appearances, but will remain a symbolic part of College GameDay.
- Mentorship: Likely to mentor younger analysts and broadcasters.
- Documentaries & Tributes: Possible involvement in documentaries about his career and college football history.
- Public Appearances: Continued occasional appearances at major football events.
- Legacy Building: His focus now is on leaving behind a legacy for future generations of fans.
Impact on Social Media
Lee Corso may not be highly active on social media, but his impact is undeniable.
- Memes & Clips: His mascot headgear picks regularly go viral on platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram.
- Fan Engagement: Younger fans discover Corso through viral highlights shared online.
- ESPN Presence: ESPN frequently posts clips of Corso, keeping him relevant in the digital space.
- Legacy Effect: Even without personal accounts, his brand thrives in the online sports community.
Social Media Profile
| Platform | Link |
| Wikipedia | Click here |
| Click here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How old is Lee Corso in 2025?
A: Lee Corso is 90 years old as of 2025.
Q2: What is Lee Corso’s net worth?
A: His net worth is estimated to be around $12 million in 2025.
Q3: Did Lee Corso ever win a national championship as a coach?
A: No, but he had notable wins, including the 1979 Holiday Bowl victory with Indiana.
Q4: Why is Lee Corso famous on College GameDay?
A: He is famous for his humorous analysis and his tradition of picking winners by wearing mascot headgear.
Q5: Is Lee Corso still on ESPN?
A: Yes, though he has reduced appearances due to health challenges.
Conclusion
Lee Corso’s journey from a small-town boy in Florida to an icon of college football broadcasting is nothing short of inspiring. At 90 years old, his passion for the game continues to shine through. His career as a coach, analyst, and entertainer has left a lasting legacy in the sports media industry.
With a net worth of around $12 million, a luxurious yet grounded lifestyle, and a strong connection to fans, Lee Corso remains a beloved Figure. His impact on sports, broadcasting, and American culture proves that age is just a number when passion drives your life.
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