ESPN’s Shae Cornette sits in the most debated chair in sports television — and she earned it the hard way. Named the new host of First Take in October 2025, she followed in the footsteps of a nearly decade-long predecessor, armed with a SportsCenter resume, Chicago sports roots, and a preparation style that ESPN executives praised from day one. Her story is a masterclass in rising through sports media without shortcuts.
Shae Cornette is an ESPN television host born in August 1986 in Chicago, Illinois, best known as the host of First Take since October 2025. A former SportsCenter anchor and Fox 32 Chicago Bears reporter with dual degrees from Indiana University, her net worth is estimated at $1–3 million as of 2026.
TL;DR: Shae Cornette rose from Fox 32 Chicago Bears reporter to ESPN national star, hosting SportsCenter before being named First Take host in October 2025. Married to Jordan Cornette, she is the first half of the first married couple to co-host a national ESPN Radio show and co-founded the charity Fashion’s Fight Against Cancer.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Shae Peppler Cornette |
| Born | August 1986, Chicago, Illinois |
| Age | 40 years old (as of October 2026) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | ESPN Host (First Take), Sports Broadcaster |
| Known For | Hosting ESPN’s First Take, SportsCenter anchor |
| Education | Indiana University (Broadcast Journalism, Kinesiology) |
| Spouse | Jordan Cornette (married 2019) |
| Children | Three |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $1–3 million (2026 estimate) |
How did Shae Cornette become the host of First Take?
The announcement on October 16, 2025, made national sports headlines. After Molly Qerim stepped down following nearly a decade hosting First Take, ESPN named Shae Cornette as her successor, with Cornette debuting in the chair on November 3, 2025. ESPN’s executive vice president David Roberts praised her in the announcement, saying she “connects naturally with our show’s high-profile personalities, and has a unique ability to keep lively debate engaging and on point.” Stephen A. Smith himself voiced support, praising her “poise, passion, and sports insight.”
She was no stranger to the desk — she had already guest-hosted First Take multiple times before landing the permanent role. The promotion capped a remarkable five-year national run at ESPN after she joined the network in 2020. Sports fans who follow broadcasting careers may also enjoy our profile of Taylor Riggs, another broadcaster who climbed from local TV to a national desk.
What was Shae Cornette’s career before ESPN?
Her foundation was built in Chicago. Born Shae Peppler, she graduated from Indiana University with dual degrees in broadcast journalism and kinesiology — a combination that gave her both storytelling skills and deep sports-science knowledge. Her first major role was at the Big Ten Network as a field reporter covering college football, followed by a high-profile stint at Fox 32 Chicago as the Bears reporter, where she also hosted Bears Unleashed.
From Chicago she moved into national radio, hosting on SiriusXM NFL Radio and ESPN 1000’s Kap & Co., then ESPN Radio GameDay. She and her husband made history as the first married couple to co-host a national ESPN Radio show. When she joined ESPN nationally in 2020, she anchored SportsCenter, contributed to NFL coverage, and appeared across the network’s studio programming — a versatility that made her the natural choice when the First Take seat opened up. Fellow Chicago-broadcasting alumni include Sherry Holmes, whose own on-screen career started in a very different genre.
Who is Shae Cornette’s husband and family?
Shae Cornette married former Notre Dame basketball player and sports analyst Jordan Cornette on June 1, 2019. The couple moved to Bristol, Connecticut, ESPN’s headquarters town, shortly after their wedding. They have three children — Carter, Joey, and Saylor — with son Joey born on April 10, 2021.
According to her biography, the Cornettes are also philanthropists: Shae co-founded Fashion’s Fight Against Cancer, a charity that has raised more than $200,000 for pediatric cancer research (Shae Cornette – Biography Points). That community work, alongside her broadcasting, has made her one of the most respected figures in her industry.
What is Shae Cornette doing now?
As of 2026, Shae Cornette hosts ESPN’s First Take alongside Stephen A. Smith, steering one of the most-watched daily debate shows in American sports media. The role comes with mid-six-figure to seven-figure salary expectations typical of top ESPN hosts, and her profile continues to grow as she shapes the show’s dynamic in the post-Qerim era. Beyond the desk, she remains active in charity work and public appearances across the sports world.
What is Shae Cornette’s net worth?
Shae Cornette’s net worth is estimated at $1–3 million as of 2026. That range, cited by industry observers including Times Now, reflects her years in sports broadcasting — from local Chicago television to national ESPN roles — plus appearances, events, and endorsement opportunities. Hosting a flagship program like First Take is expected to push that figure significantly higher in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Shae Cornette?
She was born in August 1986 in Chicago, Illinois, making her 40 years old as of October 2026.
When did Shae Cornette become First Take host?
ESPN announced her as the new host on October 16, 2025; she began the role on November 3, 2025, succeeding Molly Qerim.
Who is Shae Cornette married to?
She is married to sports analyst Jordan Cornette, a former Notre Dame basketball player. They wed on June 1, 2019, and have three children.
What is Shae Cornette’s net worth in 2026?
Her net worth is estimated at $1–3 million, based on her ESPN career, television appearances, and broadcast-related income.
Where did Shae Cornette go to college?
She earned dual degrees in broadcast journalism and kinesiology from Indiana University in Bloomington.