Shae Cornette, former SportsCenter anchor, becomes the new host of ESPN’s First Take, replacing Molly Qerim, after a successful career in sports broadcasting and charity work.
Last Updated on 3 weeks ago by Vijay Kumar
ESPN has announced that Shae Peppler Cornette will take over as the new full-time host of its flagship morning debate show, First Take, replacing Molly Qerim, who exited the program in September after nearly a decade at the helm.
Cornette, a familiar face on SportsCenter and across ESPN’s college football coverage, will officially make her hosting debut on Monday, November 3, 2025.
“I feel ready to step into this role and add my own energy to the already successful brand that First Take is,” Cornette said in ESPN’s press release.
Who is Shae Cornette?
Shae Cornette is a veteran sports journalist known for her versatility across television, radio, and digital media. She graduated from Indiana University, earning degrees in broadcast journalism and kinesiology.
Her broadcasting career began at the Big Ten Network and The Chicago Huddle (ABC7), where she hosted local sports shows and became a well-recognized figure in Chicago’s sports community.
Cornette went on to cover the Chicago Bears for Fox 32, hosting pre- and post-game shows including Bears Unleashed. Her sharp analysis and confident on-air style helped her transition to national platforms like Campus Insiders, SiriusXM NFL Radio, and ESPN Radio before officially joining ESPN in 2020.
At ESPN, she has anchored SportsCenter, appeared on Get Up, and contributed to the network’s college football and NFL coverage.
Following Molly Qerim’s unexpected departure, ESPN auditioned several internal candidates for the First Take chair, including Amina Smith, MJ Acosta-Ruiz, and Courtney Cronin. According to The New York Post, Cornette’s combination of “authority, warmth, and debate presence” made her the standout choice.
Cornette will continue anchoring SportsCenter until October 25, before transitioning fully to First Take. Her appointment signifies ESPN’s confidence in her ability to handle the show’s intense, fast-paced format alongside Stephen A. Smith and rotating analysts.
“Every stop in my career — from radio to television — has prepared me for this moment,” Cornette said.
She married to Jordan Cornette
Shae Cornette is married to Jordan Cornette, a former Notre Dame basketball player and current ESPN college basketball analyst. The couple married in 2019 and share two children, Joey and Saylor, along with their dog, Kobe — named after the late basketball icon Kobe Bryant.
She published a post on Instagram and wrote, “Happy Anniversary to my heart, @thejordancornette. Feels like we’ve been through a LIFETIME in just 12 months but the waves are easier to ride together – now and always. I love you – thank you for being the sweetest and most amazing husband.”
Beyond her broadcasting career, Cornette co-founded a charitable initiative, Fashion’s Fight Against Cancer, which has raised over $200,000 for pediatric cancer research.
She also loves her parents, published a post on Instagram and wrote, “Happy Father’s Day to my pops! Always so happy and full of life – I hope I embody half of that good energy. Love you Dad.”
My name is Vijay Kumar. I work as content writer and founder of this website. I am studying BSC IT. I has been writing content since 2022. I also learn about journalism.
