Lee Corso Misses "College GameDay" for First Time in 2023 Season

ESPN's iconic college football pregame show, "College GameDay," was missing a familiar face on Saturday as legendary analyst Lee Corso was absent due to illness. The 89-year-old Corso has been a mainstay on the program since 1987, but this marked his first missed episode of the 2023 season.

The "College GameDay" set in Berkeley, California, looked noticeably different on Saturday morning as ESPN's popular pregame show kicked off over 16 hours before the scheduled kickoff between Miami and Cal. Despite the early hour, Cal students and fans turned out in droves to support their team and witness the spectacle of "College GameDay."

Lee Corso Misses "College GameDay" for First Time in 2023 Season

However, one prominent figure was noticeably missing: longtime analyst Lee Corso. Host Rece Davis announced that Corso was "under the weather" and unable to attend the broadcast.

Corso, known for his energetic personality and signature headgear picks, has been a staple of "College GameDay" for over three decades. Since joining the program in 1987, he has made over 400 headgear selections, often correctly predicting the outcome of major college football games.

Lee Corso Misses "College GameDay" for First Time in 2023 Season

Corso's absence comes after a challenging year in 2022, during which he missed five episodes of "College GameDay" due to health issues. He has since returned to the program on a limited basis, but Saturday marked his first missed episode of the 2023 season.

Despite Corso's absence, "College GameDay" continued to provide its usual mix of analysis, highlights, and interviews. However, the show's loyal viewers undoubtedly missed the presence of the beloved analyst.

Lee Corso Misses "College GameDay" for First Time in 2023 Season

Corso, now 89 years old, has long been a source of inspiration and entertainment for college football fans. His enthusiasm and knowledge of the game have made him a respected and cherished member of the "College GameDay" team.

Corso's absence is a reminder of the passing of time and the importance of cherishing the moments we have with our favorite sports personalities. While his fans may have been disappointed to miss him on Saturday, they can rest assured that he will be back on the sidelines as soon as possible, adding his unique brand of passion and expertise to ESPN's college football coverage.