Following Molly Qerim’s departure from ESPN earlier this year, the network has now revealed who the new co-host for First Take will be. The new host will officially debut on November 3, 2025, alongside veteran Stephen A. Smith.
Shae Cornette to replace Molly Qerim as First Take host on November 3
ESPN has announced that Shae Cornette will be succeeding Molly Qerim as the new co-host of First Take. While she has served as a fill-in host in the past, she will now be a permanent addition.
The press release read, “ESPN announced today that Shae Cornette will be the new host of First Take. Cornette will make her official debut on Monday, Nov. 3 after serving as a fill-in host for the signature morning debate show over the last several years.”
Cornette is currently hosting ESPN’s SportsCenter, where she will wrap up her responsibilities on October 25. She has been a SportsCenter anchor and studio host since joining the network in 2020. Before ESPN, she began her career at the Big Ten Network, later working as a reporter for the Chicago Bears at Fox 32. She then moved to ESPN Radio, followed by SiriusXM NFL Radio.
The press release also provided Cornette’s response: “I feel ready to step into this role and know I can add to the already successful brand that First Take is,” she expressed.
Cornette continued, “From my days in radio to hosting SportsCenter and now First Take, my journey at ESPN has been one of growth, challenge, and opportunity. First Take’s energy, perspective and passion represents everything I love about sports, and I’m excited to bring more of that to the debate desk every weekday morning.”
Cornette will be co-hosting alongside Stephen A. Smith, who also had a lot of great things to say about her: “Hosting First Take is no easy assignment. It requires confidence, toughness, and real sports insight — and Shae brings all of that and more,” he shared. “I’ve seen her command the desk with poise and passion every time she’s hosted. She’s the real deal, and I’m thrilled to have her officially join the team.”
Originally reported by Harsha Panduranga on Comingsoon.
