

First Take
ESPN, Stephen A. Smith, Molly Qerim Rose
First Take is always a heated discussion as Stephen A. Smith and guests debate about the day's top stories.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 12, 2025 • 48min
Hour 1: What's With Todd Bowles Expletive-Laced Rant?
First Take begins with Todd Bowles asking his team to "****ing care!" Will his fiery postgame speech give the Bucs enough juice to retain the NFC South title? And, are the Colts in the wrong sending a 44 year old Philip Rivers out to face the Seahawks airtight defense this week? (0:00) Then, Shedeur faces the Bears with another chance to prove HE should be the Browns starter in 2026. (25:00) Next, Heisman Trophy finalist Diego Pavia joins to talk about Vanderbilt winning ten games for the first time in program history! (39:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 11, 2025 • 46min
Hour 2: QB Under The Most Pressure in Week 15?
First Take resumes with QBs under pressure. Stephen A. tells us which starter needs to ball out this week! (0:00) Then, Joe Burrow raised some eyebrows with his comments on Wednesday. Mina tells us how he can have more fun on the field! (15:00) Next, we play a game of "Who would you rather have?" Hear if the crew would rather have Justin Jefferson or George Pickens. (32:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 11, 2025 • 48min
Hour 1: What is Next For Michigan?
First Take begins with Shefty and Finebaum joining to break down the entire Michigan situation. From the timeline of Wednesday's events, to head coaching candidates, we've got it all covered. (0:00) Then, it's Jalen Hurts turn to get blamed for the Eagles misery. Does he deserve this amount of hate? (19:55) Next, Travis Kelce voiced his frustration over the Chiefs and his own poor play. DanO takes us inside the mindset of a lot of confused Chiefs players! (39:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 10, 2025 • 47min
Hour 2: Should Jalen Hurts Remain Eagles starter?
First Take starts with Nick Sirianni confirming Jalen Hurts will remain the Eagles starting QB. Kimberley Martin tells us why he was even asked this question! (0:00) Then, WWE superstar Gunther joins to talk about his upcoming match with John Cena! (12:40) Next, Shedeur Sanders is helping Cleveland, but is Cleveland helping him? (26:35) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 10, 2025 • 48min
Hour 1: Is Doggy First Take's Best Athlete?
First Take begins with the Cowboys final push. Jerry says they still have a chance, and with the Eagles faltering at the worst of times, he may be right! Hear if Stephen A. agrees with his old suitemate! (0:00) Then, Paul Finebaum joins to blast Notre Dame AD Pete Bevacqua's most recent comments on missing the CFP. (25:00) Finally, should the Bills be favored on the road against the AFC East leading Patriots? (38:45) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 9, 2025 • 46min
Hour 2: Do The Eagles Have a Jalen Hurts Problem?
First Take resumes with an honest Eagles conversation. Hear Stephen A, Jeff and CC's level of concern with Jalen Hurts moving forward. (0:00) Then, what is Caleb Williams' and the Bears ceiling this season? (15:00) Next, Jeff reveals his top 5 NFL teams through week 14. (25:20) Finally, hear if Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers did enough against the Ravens to silence the doubters, and Stephen A. reacts to MLB breaking news! (36:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 9, 2025 • 48min
Hour 1: Will Eagles Hold Off Cowboys in NFC East?
First Take begins with another Eagles stinker as they continue soaring directly into the ground. Ouch, that "Hurts." Will they hold off the Cowboys in the NFC East? And, hear what Jeff Saturday has to say about his former team trying Phillip Rivers as a Daniel Jones replacement! (0:00) Then, the crew goes scorched earth on the CFP selection committee for giving JMU and Tulane a chance (no disrespect). Should adjustments be made to the selection process? (25:30) Next, we react to Shedeur Sanders officially being named the Browns starter for the rest of the season. (42:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 8, 2025 • 46min
Hour 2: Was Isaiah Likely Robbed?
First Take resumes with Isaiah Likely's robbery and Aaron Rodgers' postgame comments! (0:00) Then, what in the world was Kevin Stefanski thinking on that 2 point conversion?? Was he trying to sabotage Shedeur's breakout game? (13:40) Next, Paul Finebaum's reaction to Notre Dame AD Pete Bevacqua's damning comments about ND's relationship with the ACC! (24:00) Finally, are the Bears capable of a deep playoff run? (39:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 8, 2025 • 48min
Hour 1: Do You Trust Jordan Love in Big Games?
First Take begins with Jordan Love's latest heroics! The Packers took down the Bears to take control of the NFC North, but can Love be trusted in big games? (0:00) Then, was it a mistake keeping Notre Dame out of the CFP? (24:30) Finally, Josh Allen went superman mode to overcome the Bengals high powered offense. As one of the few wily vets in the AFC playoff picture, is he good enough to overcome the Bills mediocre defense. (41:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 5, 2025 • 47min
Hour 2: What Happened To George Pickens?
First Take resumes with George Pickens responding to Richard Sherman's criticism about his disappearing act against the Lions! (0:00) Then, Rodgers faces Lamar in a key divisional battle. Who comes out on top? (12:00) Next, Heisman winner Desmond Howard joins to break down how this weekend's conference championship games will affect the CFP. (24:50) Finally, Joe Fortenbaugh gives his best bets for a loaded NFL Sunday slate! (37:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


