Greg Gumbel: College Basketball Fans Sending Prayers to 'March Madness' Icon

The college basketball world was incredibly saddened this Tuesday upon learning that CBS studio host Greg Gumbel won't be covering the 2024 NCAA Basketball Tournament.

Gumbel, an iconic figure in the studio during 'March Madness' each spring, will sit out the tournament in 2024 due to "family health issues," Richard Deitsch of The Athletic reports .

Inside The NBA's Ernie Johnson is expected to fill in for Gumbel and receive extra studio time during the tournament, On3Sports writes .

Gumbel, 77, served as the lead announcer for CBS' NFL coverage for more than three decades before stepping down in 2023.

He's covered March Madness since returning to CBS in 1998.

"He will be GREATLY missed this year Hope everything’s OK," one fan responded to the news.

"Prayers for you and your family Greg," Collin writes.

"I am going to miss him on Sunday. He is the face of the selection show," Jason said.

We'd like to send our best wishes to the family of Greg Gumbel.