Shay Peppler steps into the debate: the next Molly Qerim on First Take?

The seat Molly Qerim leaves behind on First Take isn’t just any chair. It’s a spot that demands pace, presence, editorial agility—and chemistry with Stephen A. Smith. Now, Shay Peppler Cornette is emerging as one of the most visible contenders to take over a role that, for years, stood for balance and poise amid the show’s daily chaos.

With experience on SportsCenter, Big Ten Network, and local coverage in Chicago, Shay Peppler isn’t walking in cold. A graduate in sports journalism and kinesiology from Indiana University, she’s built a career that blends analysis, live hosting, and multiplatform presence. According to Marca, her recent appearance as a temporary replacement for Molly Qerim on First Take drew mixed reactions. Some praised her confidence; others questioned whether her regional tone fits a national debate format.

A real challenge

The challenge is no joke. First Take isn’t just a talk show—it’s a verbal battleground where every second matters. Shay Peppler brings clear strengths. Besides, deep football knowledge, ease on live TV, and a résumé that’s taken her from local radio to ESPN’s main stage. But she also faces risks. A poorly phrased comment or an offbeat reaction can blow up on social media and become a trending topic in minutes.

 

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She’s also up against rising talents like Christine Williamson, Courtney Cronin, and Monica McNutt—all gaining traction within the network. In that mix, Shay Peppler has shown composure. When she was criticized for wearing a Packers shirt in Chicago, she responded with humor and humility—a trait that, in sports television, is as valuable as a sharp stat line.

The audience wants answers

If ESPN decides to go with her, Shay Peppler won’t just inherit the physical space Molly Qerim left behind. Besides, she’ll take on the emotional and editorial weight of being the voice that moderates, provokes, and keeps First Take moving. And that, as anyone who’s sat across from Stephen A. knows, can’t be faked.

The audience is already watching. The mic is live. And Shay Peppler, caught between pressure and opportunity, now stands in front of the kind of stage that defines careers.