ATLANTA — The College Football Hall of Fame unveiled a permanent portrait of legendary broadcaster Coach Lee Corso, created by renowned Atlanta artist Steve Penley, to celebrate his retirement and enduring legacy in college football.
The artwork was revealed during Corso’s final ESPN College Gameday broadcast on Saturday, Aug. 39, and is now on display at The College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.
“For nearly four decades, Coach Corso has been the ultimate ambassador for college football, bringing knowledge, passion, and personality to generations of fans,” said Kimberly Beaudin, CEO of the College Football Hall of Fame. “His mascot headgear picks became a national tradition, and this portrait is a timeless tribute to his spirit and impact.”
The vibrant piece, donated by Penley, captures Corso’s larger-than-life presence and joins the Hall’s collection as a lasting homage to his contributions.
Visitors can view the portrait at the College Football Hall of Fame, where it stands as a testament to Corso’s storied career.
Corso, born August 7, 1935, is a renowned American sports broadcaster and former college football coach.
He played quarterback at Florida State University (FSU) in the 1950s, setting a school record for career interceptions and earning a reputation as a defensive standout.
After college, he began coaching, serving as an assistant at FSU and Maryland before becoming head coach at Louisville (1969–1972), where he led the team to a 20-21-2 record and their second bowl game in school history. He later coached at Indiana (1973–1982), compiling a 41-68-2 record, and at Northern Illinois (1984), with a 4-6-1 record. His overall head coaching record is 73-85-5.
Corso transitioned to broadcasting in 1987, joining ESPN’s College GameDay as an analyst. Known for his colorful personality, catchphrase “Not so fast, my friend!” and mascot headgear predictions, he became a beloved figure in college football.
He has remained a staple on College GameDay for over three decades, earning multiple Sports Emmy nominations and widespread fan admiration. Corso also coached in the USFL with the Orlando Renegades in 1985 and has been recognized with honors like induction into the FSU Athletics Hall of Fame. Despite health challenges, including a stroke in 2009, he continues to contribute to ESPN, though with a reduced role in recent years.
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