A new chapter for “First Take” is on the horizon.
After Molly Kerim’s unexpected departure from ESPN and her show, it’s been revealed that SportsCenter anchor Shay Cornett will assume the hosting duties in October 2025.
So, what should you know about Cornett before she joins Stephen A. Smith at the “First Take” table on November 3rd?
A budding broadcaster
Having graduated from Indiana University, Cornett kicked off her broadcasting journey with the Big Ten Network. Later, she made her way to Chicago’s Fox 32, where she focused on the Bears, anchoring newscasts, running pre- and postgame shows, and even hosting her own sports segment called “Bears Unleashed,” as mentioned in her ESPN profile.
Joining ESPN
Cornett became part of ESPN in 2020.
She has shared with Westport Magazine how her husband, basketball analyst Jordan Cornett, played a pivotal role in her landing a spot at ESPN, saying, “I’m at ESPN because of Jordan. He essentially urged ESPN to let me be on a radio show with him, and we never looked back. He’s always believed in me, and for that, I’m forever thankful.” They met while working together in Chicago.
Besides her role on “SportsCenter,” she hosts various studio shows on both TV and radio.
“This industry can be challenging and feels like a roller coaster at times. So, it’s important to enjoy it,” she remarked. “Hosting ‘SportsCenter’ at 2 p.m. is truly a dream job for me.”
Looking ahead to “First Take”
When Kerim announced her exit in September 2025, she expressed that it was time to close this chapter of her career. “I’ve decided it’s time to step away from First Take,” she said on Instagram.
Kerim stated, “Hosting this show has been one of the greatest honors. Each morning, I have the privilege of sharing my desk with some of the brightest voices in sports, along with amazing fans worldwide.”
With Kerim leaving after a decade, ESPN’s content president, Burke Magnus, mentioned there would be a 30-45 day trial period to seek a new host.
Cornett was part of a group of candidates including Peter Schrager, MJ Acosta-Lewis, Amina Smith, Courtney Cronin, and Joe Fortenbaugh.
“Shay’s experience ranges from anchoring ‘SportsCenter’ at ESPN to extensive radio work and occasionally hosting ‘First Take’ and ‘Get Up.’
Personal life off-screen
Cornett married her husband Jordan on June 1, 2019, a day she calls “the most magical day” of her life.
The couple has two children, a son named Joey and a daughter named Saylor, along with an English Cream Golden Retriever named Kobe, honoring the late NBA star Kobe Bryant.
Jordan also has a teenage son named Carter from a previous relationship.
