While it’s been thriving in the ratings, ESPN’s College GameDay has been missing a core component at its desk.
Lee Corso, a mainstay of GameDay since its inception as a roadshow in 1993, has missed the last two weeks.
The 89-year-old was “under the weather” when they broadcast from Berkeley, Calif., two weeks ago. He also missed the trip to Eugene, Ore., last week, though no specific reason was given.
That streak ends at two, however. Fellow GameDay analyst Kirk Herbstreit confirmed that Corso will be back on the show this Saturday in Austin, Texas.
“He’s back” – Kirk Herbstreit when asked if Lee Corso will be back on College GameDay this week
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 18, 2024
“He’s back,” said Herbstreit when asked if Corso would be back during a media event at a Raising Cane’s restaurant in Austin on Friday. A crowd of mostly Texas fans outside the restaurant cheered with the news.
GameDay is in town before Saturday night’s big SEC showdown between the No. 1 Texas Longhorns and No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs. Pro golfer and Texas alum Scottie Sheffler will be on hand as the guest picker.
Corso has missed several College GameDay shows in recent years. He missed one at Utah last October due to a “family matter,” and missed at least three games in 2022 (at Texas, Kansas, and Clemson) over health issues. He also returned to the set in 2021 following appearances from his backyard in 2020 due to COVID-19.
College GameDay has been hitting on all cylinders this season, putting up big ratings numbers thanks in part to the Pat McAfee-Nick Saban additions. The only thing that’s been missing recently is Corso’s iconic donning of the mascot head when making his pick. We’ll see that classic moment return this Saturday.
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.