Could the network’s next full-time host already be sitting in Molly Qerim’s chair?
After a week of uncertainty following Molly Qerim’s shocking exit, ESPN’s First Take introduced its first potential replacement and fans might already have made up their minds.
On Monday morning, Amina Smith took the moderator’s chair beside Stephen A. Smith, Cam Newton, and Dan Orlovsky as First Take kicked off its on-air auditions.
The 31-year-old host, who joined ESPN in 2024 after a strong run at NBC Sports Boston, immediately drew praise for her calm presence and natural chemistry with the panel. Her confident pacing and ability to steer heated debates won over fans across social media within minutes.
One viewer wrote, “Make Amina Smith the permanent host for First Take.” Another added, “I told y’all for years that ESPN should build around Amina Smith… They just now seeing the vision.”
The Audition That Broke the Internet
In the hours after the show aired, the reaction online was overwhelmingly positive — a rare sight for an audience known for dissecting every detail of ESPN’s lineup changes.
Posts flooded X (formerly Twitter), with comments like “Amina Smith is gonna end up the new First Take host” and “Amina Smith, I wasn’t familiar with your game. I owe you an apology.”
Even longtime fans of Molly Qerim, who hosted the show for nearly a decade, seemed impressed by Amina’s poise. Many described her debut as “fresh,” “balanced,” and “exactly what the show needs right now.”
A Rising Star at ESPN
Smith’s résumé shows why she might be the frontrunner. A University of Miami graduate, she built her career through multiple major outlets including Fox Sports, Big Ten Network, BET Networks, and Stadium Sports, before earning her spot on SportsCenter in 2024.
Her versatility across platforms, along with her charisma on camera, has positioned her as one of ESPN’s fastest-rising talents.
ESPN’s Search Continues — For Now
According to ESPN president of content Burke Magnus, First Take will continue rotating potential hosts in the coming weeks before deciding on a permanent replacement.
Still, after Amina’s breakout debut, many fans believe the search might already be over.
If the online reaction is any indication, ESPN could have found the next star to guide First Take into its new era.