ESPN announced Shae Cornette as the new First Take host Oct. 16 – if you’re searching for who replaced Molly Qerim on First Take, the SportsCenter anchor beat 5 other candidates after a 30-day audition process and debuts Nov. 3.
ESPN Names Shae Cornette First Take Host Oct. 16 – Nov. 3 Debut Set
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ESPN confirmed Shae Cornette won the First Take hosting role Oct. 16 after Molly Qerim abruptly resigned in September 2025. Cornette’s been with ESPN since 2020, anchoring SportsCenter and filling in on First Take when Qerim was absent – making her a natural fit for the ESPN First Take host position.
The network auditioned 5 other hosts including Amina Smith, MJ Acosta, Courtney Cronin, Joe Fortenbaugh, and Peter Schrager before selecting Cornette. She’ll anchor her final SportsCenter episode Oct. 25, then officially join Stephen A. Smith at the First Take desk Nov. 3.
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Before ESPN, Cornette dominated Chicago sports media. She covered the Bears for Fox 32, hosted her own weekly program Bears Unleashed, and co-hosted on ESPN 1000 radio. She graduated from Indiana University with degrees in broadcast journalism and kinesiology.
Why ESPN Insiders Backed Cornette Over External First Take Candidates
ESPN executives prioritized internal candidates because they needed someone who already understood First Take’s high-pressure format – if you’re wondering why Shae Cornette got the First Take job, the 30-day audition showed she could handle Stephen A. Smith’s intensity and keep debates on track. External candidates from competing networks couldn’t match that proven chemistry.
The decision came down to who could manage personalities without becoming the story. ESPN President of Content Burke Magnus told reporters the network specifically wanted someone “meticulous in preparation” who “connects naturally with high-profile personalities” – and Cornette’s Chicago media experience covering combative Bears press conferences prepared her perfectly.
“Shae is meticulous in her preparations, connects naturally with our show’s high-profile personalities, and has a unique ability to keep lively debate engaging and on point,” — David Roberts, ESPN Executive Vice President.
That ability to facilitate without dominating became the deciding factor for ESPN’s First Take host search.
Lock These 4 Steps Before Nov. 3 First Take Premiere With Shae Cornette
If you’re asking when does Shae Cornette start hosting First Take or how to watch First Take on ESPN, mark your calendar for Nov. 3 and follow these prep steps.
| Step | Detail | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Set reminder for First Take premiere – watch Shae Cornette First Take debut | Nov. 1 |
| 2 | Follow @shaepeppler on social media – where to follow Shae Cornette updates | Oct. 25 |
| 3 | Watch Shae’s final SportsCenter episode Oct. 25 – last SportsCenter before First Take | Oct. 25 |
| 4 | Check ESPN morning schedule changes – what time is First Take with Shae Cornette | Nov. 2 |
Watch For These 3 Signals Before Dec. 15 As ESPN First Take Shifts
Track these First Take performance indicators before Dec. 15 if you’re following ESPN sports talk show changes 2025.
Viewership ratings for Cornette’s first 30 days become critical. Watch for morning show ratings comparisons between Cornette’s debut month and Qerim’s final month – if numbers hold steady or climb, that signals ESPN made the right call on their First Take host replacement.
Social media engagement reveals audience reception. If Cornette’s First Take clips generate 2M+ views on X and YouTube during her first two weeks, that indicates strong viewer interest and validates ESPN’s hiring decision.
Stephen A. Smith’s on-air chemistry with Cornette matters most. Smith openly admitted he wanted Max Kellerman off the show in 2021 due to lack of chemistry – if Smith praises Cornette publicly before Thanksgiving, that’s your clearest sign the First Take dynamics are working.
Will Shae Cornette Match Molly Qerim’s First Take Success With Stephen A. Smith?
The stakes for ESPN go beyond a single First Take host announcement. Molly Qerim hosted the show for 10 years, turning First Take into one of ESPN’s most successful franchises – and if you’re searching for will Shae Cornette be a good First Take host, her Chicago media background and existing rapport with Stephen A. Smith suggest she’s got the skills.
Early signals look promising. ESPN executives wouldn’t have ended a 30-day audition process early unless Cornette clearly separated herself from 5 other candidates. Her experience managing Bears controversies and hosting alongside personalities on ESPN Radio built exactly the toughness this role demands.
Will Shae Cornette bring the same command to First Take that made Molly Qerim irreplaceable for a decade? That’s the question driving every ESPN executive and First Take fan before her Nov. 3 debut.
SOURCES
- https://barrettmedia.com/2025/10/16/espn-tabs-shae-cornette-as-new-host-of-first-take/
- https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/shae-cornette-espn-first-take-host-stephen-a-smith-1236554484/
- https://frontofficesports.com/shae-cornette-molly-qerim-espn-first-take/
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Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.
Man, Shae Cornette hosting First Take? Its like ESPN is shaking things up. Remember when Skip and Stephen A. ruled the show? Will Shae bring that same fire or lose steam? Gotta tune in to find out. Whos placing bets on her debut?
Anyone else notice Shae Cornettes rise from sports analyst to ESPN First Take host? Quite the journey, huh? Wonder how shell shake things up on the show. Excited for the debut or skeptical of the change?
Ever notice how ESPN always shakes things up? Shae Cornette hosting First Take is quite the move. Will she bring a fresh vibe or clash with the shows dynamic? Lets see how this gamble unfolds. Your bets on her success?
Shae Cornette on First Take? Well, thats like mixing peanut butter with pickles – could be surprisingly good or a total disaster, right? ESPN does love to keep us on our toes. Im curious to see if shell bring a new energy or just throw the whole dynamic off balance. Its a risky move, for sure. So, are you betting on her to smash it out the park or crash and burn? Your call, sports oracle.
Ever seen Shae Cornette in action? Shes the First Take host we didnt know we needed. Cant wait to see her bring that fresh perspective. Whos tuning in on November 3rd for her debut?
Ever heard of Shae Cornette hosting ESPN First Take? Is this a game-changer or just another move in the sports talk show shuffle? Time will tell if she can hold her own against the heavyweights. Your thoughts on this shake-up?
Ever seen Shae Cornette on ESPN First Take? She’s bringing a fresh vibe. Wonder how shell steer those heated debates. Will her style match the shows fiery energy? Excited or skeptical about this new chapter in sports talk?