
First Take
ESPN
First Take is always a heated discussion as Stephen A. Smith and guests debate about the day's top stories.
Location:
Bristol, CT
Description:
First Take is always a heated discussion as Stephen A. Smith and guests debate about the day's top stories.
Twitter:
@podcenter
Language:
English
Contact:
ESPN Viewer Response ESPN Plaza Bristol, CT 06010 1-888-549-3776
Email:
blair.cullen@espn3.com
Episodes
Hour 2: Which Team is the Best Fit for John Harbaugh?
1/7/2026
First Take resumes with Harbaugh landing spots. Which team is the best fit for the recently fired head coach? (0:00) Then, Stephen A.'s crazy rant on the fumbling, bumbling, stumbling New York Jets! (18:30) Next, Mad Dog is mad at the Cowboys, Bills, and Tom Brady! (31:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:46:27
Hour 1: Was Firing John Harbaugh the Right Decision?
1/7/2026
First Take begins with a shocking Ravens decision! Swagu, Mad Dog and Stephen A. are fired up about John Harbaugh getting fired! (0:00) Then - which team winning the CFP would be the best story? (28:40) Next - Mad Dog is so mad at Stephen A.'s QBs under pressure list from yesterday that we had to revisit it! He wants to swap out Josh Allen for who?? (42:25) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:48:16
Hour 2: What's Wrong with the Knicks???
1/6/2026
First Take resumes with crossover CFP/NFL Draft coverage! Who will win the Mendoza vs. Moore battle, and does the winner deserve to be picked number one overall? (0:00) Then, Stephen A. gives a quick take on the Knicks after a disastrous 30 point loss to the Pistons. (11:10) Next, who's the biggest x-factor in Eagles-49ers? (26:00) And, Stephen A lists his top 5 QBs under the most pressure in the playoffs! (37:45) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:45:39
Hour 1: Is Having No Traditional Powerhouses in CFP a Big Deal?
1/6/2026
First Take begins with Paul Finebaum breaking down the powerhouse-less CFP semifinals. (0:00) Then, Stephen A. reacts to the Cowboys firing their fourth defensive coordinator in four years! (22:10) Next, Finebaum is back to tell us if Ole Miss or Miami winning is the better story! (39:15) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:48:38
Hour 2: Does Lamar Jackson Get a Pass For Ravens Missing the Playoffs?
1/5/2026
First Take resumes with a look at Lamar's turbulent season. Should we give him a pass for the Ravens missing the playoffs? (0:00) Then, the Raiders are moving on from Pete Carroll after just one year. Stephen A. has some thoughts for Tom Brady! (15:50) Next, the Giants ruined their draft position for the second straight season. How angry should Giants fans be at their seemingly incompetent front office? (24:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:45:52
Hour 1: How Much Praise do Rodgers and Tomlin Deserve?
1/5/2026
First Take begins with a Steel City thriller! We assign praise and blame for the Steelers and Ravens. (0:00) Then, coming off of a massive win against the Niners for the one seed, how should we view Sam Darnold going into the playoffs? (26:45) Next, The Bengals are bringing back Zac Taylor for another season. Is this the right move? (42:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:48:22
Hour 2: Are You More Disappointed in Alabama or Ohio State?
1/2/2026
First Take resumes with disappointing college football powerhouses. Should Alabama or Ohio State be more disappointed with their early CFP exits? (0:00) And, hear what RC has to say about the dominant days of the SEC. (9:40) Then, the Seahawks and 49ers face off Saturday for the NFC's top seed! Which team needs homefield advantage throughout the playoffs more? (18:40) Finally, who's the better QB prospect: Fernando Mendoza or Dante Moore? (28:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:46:07
Hour 1: Do You Believe Ole Miss Can Win The Title?
1/2/2026
First Take begins with the Ole Miss-Georgia thriller! Was Kirby Smart outcoached, and can Ole Miss win it all? (0:00) Then, as Alabama fans long for the days of Nick Saban and Jerry Jeudy, Paul Finebaum tells us what's next for the Crimson Tide ("They're in shambles") (14:00) Next, it allll comes down to this! Steelers-Ravens for a playoff spot. Cam decides if Rodgers or Lamar has more pressure to win! (38:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:48:11
Hour 2: Do You Believe Miami Can Win The CFP?
1/1/2026
First Take resumes with more on the CFP! Coming off a major upset of Ohio State, do you believe Miami can win the whole dang thing? (0:00) Then, Dan Campbell has a full offseason to figure out what went wrong this year in the Motor City. How can the Lions bounce back? (13:40) Next, RC gives his list of 5 players who will take over the NFL in 2026! (22:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:49:16
Hour 1: How Much Blame Does Ryan Day Deserve?
1/1/2026
First Take begins with shock and awe in college football as Miami took down Ohio State. Should we blame Ryan Day for bad play calling, or praise Miami for great defense? (0:00) Then, more on Ohio State blowing it. What does their loss say about the Big Ten. (24:10) Next, we hand out NFL superlatives! (42:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:47:27
Hour 2: Do You Trust Stafford or Hurts More in The Playoffs?
12/31/2025
First Take resumes with a QB debate for the ages! Both Super Bowl Winners. Both members of stacked offenses. Would you rather have Stafford or Hurts in the playoffs? (0:00) Then, Josh Pate joins to talk everything CFP. (15:40) Next, Mad Dog is MAD about Sandy Koufax erasure, the NFL's weak schedule, and New Year's Eve Times Square goers! (26:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:47:30
Hour 1: Is a Steelers Rebuild on The Line Sunday?
12/31/2025
First Take begins with (potential) future on-air personality Mike Tomlin! Is a rebuild on the horizon for the Steelers if they lose on Sunday? (0:00) Then, Desmond Howard gives Miami the formula to upset Ohio State! (25:05) Next, we hand out NFL New Year's Awards! (38:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:46:45
Hour 2: Which NFC Contender Can Overcome Their Biggest Flaw?
12/30/2025
First Take resumes with flawed NFC contenders. (0:00) Then, which team has the best chance to pull off a CFP Quarterfinals upset? (13:40) Next, Jason McCourty lists his top 5 NFL teams. (24:00) Finally, the AFC North Title is on the line in week 18. It's another Harbaugh-Tomlin showdown, but this edition comes with higher stakes... (31:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:46:47
Hour 1: Are You Confident Rams Can Still Make Super Bowl?
12/30/2025
First Take begins with the stumbling Rams. Two weeks ago they were Super Bowl favorites. Now, three road games await them in a daunting NFC playoff field. (0:00) Then, Paul Finebaum predicts a HUGE upset in the CFP. (23:40) Next, would not reaching the Super Bowl this season be the biggest playoff disappointment of Josh Allen's career? (36:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:47:37
Hour 2: Is Myles Garrett The MVP?
12/29/2025
First Take resumes with a steaming hot MVP take from Cam! (10:30) Then, the Bears and 49ers battled in a Sunday night classic! Cam and David Dennis Jr. question whether either teams defense can hold up in the playoffs. (23:20) Next, Nick Sirianni and A.J. Brown had opposite reactions to a massive Eagles win. Find out if Cam trusts them to make a deep playoff run? (31:00) Finally, the Giants saved their best ball for the game they needed to lose the most. Was beating the Raiders a mistake? (36:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:46:16
Hour 1: Should The Steelers Move on From Tomlin?
12/29/2025
First Take begins with a shocker in Cleveland! Shedeur took down Rodgers, and the Tomlin doubters return. Do the Steelers need to fine a new head coach? (0:00) Then, how much can we really trust the injured, potential NFC one seed 49ers? (25:10) Next, a heated debate about the Bills decision to go for 2 at the end of the game. (41:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:47:57
Hour 2: Bigger Threat to OKC: Spurs or Nuggets?
12/26/2025
First Take resumes with the faltering Thunder as Wemby, De'Aaron Fox, and Dylan Harper made them look human. Who's their bigger threat: Spurs or Nuggets? (0:00) Then, Travis Kelce's last home game and a cross conference showdown between the Eagles and Bills. (11:10) Next, a potential NFC conference finals preview between the Bears and 49ers will certainly deliver, but which team has more at stake? (23:00) Finally, with a playoff spot clinched and injuries mounting, should the Packers rest Jordan Love against the Ravens? (31:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:46:36
Hour 1: Does LeBron Need to Leave The Lakers?
12/26/2025
First Take begins with an NBA Christmas Day recap! Has the LeBron-Lakers relationship run its course? (0:00) Then, Michigan has zoned in on former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham as their next leader. Is he a good fit? (24:15) Next, with the Cowboys eliminated, should Dak Prescott play next week? (39:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:47:40
Hour 1: Would You Start a Franchise With Wemby or SGA?
12/25/2025
Merry Christmas! First Take begins with NBA superstars. If you're starting a franchise today, do you want SGA or Wemby? (0:00) Then, LeBron faces KD in a Christmas night showdown! Which team is more likely to make the finals: Rockets or Lakers? (23:30) Next, who cracks RC's list of NFL teams that will bounce back in 2026? (35:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:50:35
Hour 2: Who Owns Christmas: NBA or NFL?
12/24/2025
First Take begins with the battle of Christmas. Fraser Firs, Mariah Carey, and a warm fire...are you thinking of the NBA or NFL? (0:00) Then, it's Bears vs. 49ers in a battle that could decide the one seed in the NFC. Who needs this win more? (12:45) Next, Jeff lists his top 5 NFL teams after week 16! (23:15) Finally, two of the Thunder's four losses have come at the hands of Wemby. Are the Spurs their kryptonite? (34:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:46:25
