ESPN has found its new face for First Take. It's true, as the network announced Thursday that Shae Cornette will take over as the show's full-time host, replacing longtime moderator Molly Qerim. Cornette will join Stephen A. Smith on one of ESPN's signature programs after serving as a rotating host in recent weeks.
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"Shae is meticulous in her preparation, connects naturally with our show's high-profile personalities, and has a unique ability to keep lively debate engaging and on point," said David Roberts, ESPN's executive vice president and executive editor for sports news and entertainment. "Her professionalism, presence, and energy make her an ideal fit for First Take and a great addition to one of ESPN's most successful franchises."
Cornette joined ESPN in 2020 and has anchored SportsCenter while also covering college football as a reporter. Before that, she built her career in Chicago, working as a television reporter covering the Bears and as a local sports anchor.
Her promotion comes a month after Qerim's sudden departure from ESPN. Qerim, who had hosted First Take for a decade, left the network before her contract expired at the end of the year. She has yet to announce her next move, though reports suggest she received offers from rival networks.
For now, Cornette steps into one of the most visible roles in sports television — and one that comes with plenty of debate, pressure, and opportunity.
