MEMORIES: A look back at Lee Corso’s most memorable Tennessee football picks. Corso began his headgear segment at the end of each show on Oct. 5, 1996 before Ohio State played Penn State in Columbus, beginning a beloved tradition among football fans and…

MEMORIES: A look back at Lee Corso’s most memorable Tennessee football picks. Corso began his headgear segment at the end of each show on Oct. 5, 1996 before Ohio State played Penn State in Columbus, beginning a beloved tradition among football fans and…

 

It began as a fun, offbeat segment on October 5, 1996—just a man in a suit donning a mascot head. But over time, Lee Corso’s headgear picks became one of college football’s most cherished traditions. That first pick, made before Ohio State hosted Penn State, launched a decades-long staple of ESPN’s “College GameDay.” Since then, Corso has entertained millions with his signature flair, surprising picks, and infectious enthusiasm.

 

Tennessee football has been a regular feature in Corso’s headgear chronicles, with the Vols’ passionate fanbase and storied program offering plenty of memorable moments. As Corso’s career winds down, it’s the perfect time to revisit some of his most iconic Tennessee picks.

 

Rocky Top Roots

 

Corso’s relationship with Tennessee picks dates back to the early years of the headgear tradition. Though not always siding with the Vols, he never failed to acknowledge the intensity of Neyland Stadium and the energy of the “Rocky Top” faithful. Over the years, fans eagerly watched to see if he’d pull out Smokey’s blue tick hound head—a sure sign of faith in the Vols.

 

The Smokey Surprise (2001 Florida Game)

 

One of Corso’s most unforgettable Tennessee moments came during the 2001 matchup against archrival Florida. With then-No. 5 Tennessee visiting The Swamp, most analysts leaned toward the Gators. But Corso, ever the showman, stunned fans by donning the Smokey head, prompting both cheers and jeers from the crowd. Tennessee pulled off a thrilling 34-32 win, validating Corso’s bold call and solidifying that pick in GameDay lore.

 

Return to Prominence (2016 vs. Florida)

 

In 2016, Tennessee was looking to snap an 11-game losing streak against Florida. GameDay rolled into Knoxville, and anticipation was sky-high. On the set, Corso built suspense before dramatically revealing the Smokey head, sending the crowd into a frenzy. His pick proved prophetic again: the Vols came back from a 21-3 deficit to win 38-28. The celebration was deafening, and Corso’s pick was seen as a good omen for a program on the rise.

 

Not So Fast, My Friend (2022 Alabama Game)

 

Perhaps one of the most discussed picks in recent memory came in 2022 when Tennessee hosted Alabama in a top-10 showdown. Despite the Vols’ resurgence, Corso went with the Tide, famously pulling out Big Al’s head instead of Smokey’s. “Not so fast, my friend,” he quipped to the pro-Tennessee crowd. But the Vols had the last laugh, winning a dramatic 52-49 thriller and storming the field in celebration. Even Corso had to smile postgame, tipping his cap to the Vols’ grit.

 

A Legacy of Laughter and Loyalty

 

For Tennessee fans, Corso’s picks have become more than predictions—they’re part of the pageantry of fall Saturdays. Whether he’s backing the Vols or playing the villain, Lee Corso has been a fixture of the college football experience.

 

As he enters his final seasons on “College GameDay,” fans will look back fondly on the moments he gave them—not just as a picker of games, but as a teller of stories and a maker of memories.