Kirk Herbstreit Is Saddened By College GameDay's 2 Losses

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Kirk Herbstreit isn’t going anywhere, but ESPN’s “College GameDay” is going to look different in 2025.

The longtime college football pregame show, which has been on the air since the 1980s but rose to prominence in the 1990s and early 2000s, has suffered a pair of losses heading into the 2025 regular season.

ESPN has confirmed that Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee, Nick Saban and Rece Davis will all be returning to the popular show. Many expect the first broadcast of the season to take place in Columbus, Ohio ahead of the showdown between No. 1 Texas and No. 2 Ohio State.

But two longtime members of the program will not be back.

CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 25: ESPN College Gameday host Kirk Herbstreit listens to the conversation prior to a college football game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Wisconsin Badgers on September 25th, 2021 at Solider Field in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

ESPN’s “College GameDay” is losing both longtime analyst Lee Corso and longtime reporter Gene Wojciechowski.

Herbstreit, who has worked alongside Corso for close to 30 years and with Wojciechowski for 27 years, is saddened by their respective departures.

“Coach Corso has had an iconic run in broadcasting, and we’re all lucky to have been around to witness it. He has taught me so much throughout our time together, and he’s been like a second father to me,” said Herbstreit, who has worked alongside Corso for 29 seasons. “It has been my absolute honor to have the best seat in the house to watch Coach put on that mascot head each week.”

Corso is saddened to be leaving, but it’s been a hell of a run.

“My family and I will be forever indebted for the opportunity to be part of ESPN and College GameDay for nearly 40 years,” said Corso. “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.”

PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 01: ESPN College Gameday analyst Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit look on during the college football game between the West Virginia Mountaineers and the Pittsburgh Panthers on September 01, 2022 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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Corso isn’t the only one who is leaving, though.

Wojciechowski, a longtime reporter known for his segments on the show, is officially leaving ESPN after 27 years.

“Love ya brother. Appreciate your commitment to the show and the respect you always showed to the people involved in the show. As loyal and good of a teammate I’ve ever had! Hope our paths cross again in the future. You’re the man!” Herbstreit wrote.

Love ya brother. Appreciate your commitment to the show and the respect you always showed to the people involved in the show. As loyal and good of a teammate I’ve ever had! Hope our paths cross again in the future. You’re the man! https://t.co/xleX0ucXYM

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) May 31, 2025