On Saturday, Lee Corso, the beloved veteran commentator, made his final appearance on ESPN’s College GameDay, marking the end of an era. This was Corso’s 430th "headgear pick" after nearly four decades with the show he helped launch. His first headgear choice was for THE Ohio State University, so it was fitting that he donned the Brutus Buckeye mascot head one last time for his final prediction.
Corso’s last pick came as Ohio State faced off against the Texas Longhorns, led by freshman quarterback Arch Manning. This game marked Manning’s first road start, and he stepped onto the field with a lot of pressure. With a family legacy in football, including his uncle Eli Manning’s recent retirement and his uncle Peyton’s storied career, expectations were high. Manning also entered the game with a significant $6.8 million NIL valuation.
However, the game did not go as Manning had hoped. He completed 17 of 30 passes for 170 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception. Many fans and commentators noted that he threw fewer touchdowns than commercials he appeared in during the game, which included ads for Raising Cane’s and Vuori.
Social media buzzed with reactions to Manning’s performance. Some critics labeled him a "nepo baby," suggesting he was riding on his family’s coattails. Despite the harsh commentary, there were also voices of support, acknowledging that it was just one game in a long season.
As the game unfolded, many took to Twitter to share their thoughts. Some humorous tweets compared Manning’s struggles on the field to his frequent appearances in commercials. Others made light of his performance with memes, suggesting that he might be better suited for acting than football.
While Saturday was a tough day for Manning, it’s important to remember that it was just the beginning of his college career. The pressure of playing against the reigning champions in a hostile environment was immense. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the season progresses to see how he bounces back from this debut.
Lee Corso’s farewell was a poignant moment for fans of college football. His iconic headgear picks have been a cherished part of the tradition for nearly three decades. As he donned the Brutus Buckeye one last time, it was a reminder of the impact he has had on the sport and the joy he brought to fans across the country.
