Kirk Herbstreit says “we love you” to Lee Corso as Indiana stuns Miami in an emotional national title moment

Kirk Herbstreit shared an emotional message for Lee Corso after Indiana defeated Miami 27–21 to win the College Football Playoff National Championship, the first national title in school history. The tribute came during ESPN’s live broadcast of the CFP final from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Kirk Herbstreit told viewers that Lee Corso was unable to attend the championship game in person and instead watched from his home in Florida due to ongoing travel difficulties.

Indiana’s historic win was led by quarterback Fernando Mendoza, whose calm play helped the Hoosiers close out a tight game against the Miami Hurricanes. The victory completed a breakthrough season and placed Indiana at the top of college football for the first time. As players and fans celebrated on the field, Kirk Herbstreit made sure the moment also honored Lee Corso, a figure closely tied to both Indiana football and the College GameDay brand.

Kirk Herbstreit honors Lee Corso’s long connection to Indiana football

During the ESPN broadcast, Kirk Herbstreit said he spoke with Lee Corso earlier in the day and described him as fully focused and excited about Indiana’s chances in the national championship game.

Kirk Herbstreit explained that Lee Corso picked Indiana to win and reminded him of the program’s first bowl victory in 1979, when Corso was the head coach. Lee Corso led Indiana from 1973 to 1982 and played a key role in building the foundation of the football program.

Speaking directly to the camera, Kirk Herbstreit said, “Coach, we’ll never forget that. We love you,” turning the championship broadcast into a public thank you for Lee Corso’s impact on the school and the sport.

Lee Corso, now 90 years old, suffered a stroke in 2009 that affected his speech and thinking. In recent seasons, health issues caused him to miss several College GameDay shows. Earlier this season, Lee Corso officially retired from the program after nearly 40 years on ESPN.

Social media was flooded with supportive reactions to his acknowledgment of Lee Corso by Kirk Herbstreit after the largest football game in the history of the IU football program. Many people expressed their sentiments that Lee Corso has a very strong connection, in both his role as a coach and as an announcer, to the Indiana Hoosiers.

One of the highlights of Herbstreit recognizing Corso was as a connection between Indiana's previous successes and their new national championship. Through the recognition of Corso and his legacy, fans were able to celebrate Indiana's new level of success as well as pay tribute to a man who is considered one of Indiana's greatest mentors and visionaries associated with the game of football.



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