It looks like ESPN might finally have a plan for the time slot once owned by Around the Horn, and it could involve one of the network's biggest names.
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According to The Athletic's Andrew Marchand, Scott Van Pelt has emerged as a "strong possibility" to take over the 5 p.m. ET slot, which ESPN considers one of its most valuable windows.
The longtime SportsCenter anchor and Monday Night Countdown host would move from his late-night role to early evening, a shift ESPN president of content Burke Magnus confirmed is "on the table."
Magnus told The Athletic that he even tried to lure Ryen Russillo back to the network to reunite with Van Pelt, but Russillo recently joined Barstool Sports, ending that idea.
Right now, ESPN airs a traditional SportsCenter between NFL Live and Pardon the Interruption at 5 p.m., but the network has been searching for a permanent show to anchor that block.
Van Pelt's version of SportsCenter — with his humor, storytelling, and signature "Best Thing I Saw Today" energy — could give that hour a major boost.
Magnus also said the current 5 p.m. ratings have quietly improved since Around the Horn ended, even outperforming some PTI numbers.
"We're taking all the time we need to get it right," he said.
If the move happens, Van Pelt would likely still handle select late-night duties, especially after major games. Either way, it's clear ESPN sees SVP as a cornerstone for whatever comes next.
