College Football

Kirk Herbstreit gives update on Lee Corso being absent from ‘College GameDay’

Lee Corso did not join the rest of the crew of ESPN’s “College GameDay” on site Saturday morning at Jackson State University in Mississippi.

The eccentric 87-year-old former-coach-turned-analyst is dealing with a “health issue” but is “in good spirits” and “hopes to be back on the road with the crew soon,” according to an ESPN statement.

Lee Corso was absent from this week's 'College GameDay' because of health issue.
Lee Corso was absent from this week’s ‘College GameDay’ because of health issue. Phil Ellsworth / ESPN Images

Known for sliding on mascot heads when making his pick of the week, Corso missed two other editions of the weekly show earlier this season.

When he returned on Oct. 15, he told the audience that he “had a hell of a scare” but was feeling much better.

“We’re going to really miss not having ‘The Sunshine Scooter’ with us,” GameDay host Reece Davis said in a video posted Friday night on Twitter. “Lee Corso is dealing with a few little health issues. They are taken care of, from what I’m told. We’re looking forward to having him back on the set with us and putting on those headgears in no time. So, send out your best wishes to L.C.”

Kirk Herbstreit also gave an update on Corso’s condition during Saturday’s show.

“Real quick on Lee Corso — talked to him yesterday, just to make sure he’s feeling OK,” Herbstreit said. “He’s going to have some more tests and a procedure maybe done in a couple days, but he’s very, very optimistic about being back on the show next week. So, coach, if you’re watching, man, we love you. We’ll see you soon.”

GameDay made its first ever trip to Jackson State – which is undefeated and coached by Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders – ahead of its Saturday afternoon rivalry game against Southern.