Sports media personality Amina Smith is earning widespread praise from viewers after a standout guest appearance on ESPN’s flagship debate show First Take. Following her on-air trial alongside Stephen A. Smith, fans across social media platforms are urging ESPN to make her the program’s next permanent host.
Smith, who has built her career as a dynamic broadcaster covering both national sports and local teams in Boston, appeared on First Take last week in what many perceived as an audition. Her confident presence, incisive questions, and chemistry with Stephen A. Smith sparked an immediate wave of reactions online. Clips of the episode quickly circulated on X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram, with fans highlighting her poise and ability to navigate heated sports debates.
“Hire her full-time. Amina brought energy, knowledge, and balance,” one fan wrote on social media. Others echoed the sentiment, with many noting that she offered a fresh perspective while still keeping pace with the high-intensity style that First Take is known for.
The show’s hosting role has drawn extra attention in recent months, as longtime moderator Molly Qerim’s future with the program remains uncertain. While ESPN has not made any formal announcements regarding a new permanent host, the overwhelmingly positive response to Smith’s performance has fueled speculation that she could be a leading candidate.
A graduate of the University of Miami, Smith previously worked with NBC Sports Boston, Big Ten Network, and BET Networks before gaining broader recognition in sports media. Her versatile background — ranging from entertainment coverage to in-depth sports analysis — has been cited by fans as one of her strengths.
Neither Smith nor ESPN has publicly commented on the possibility of her securing the role. However, industry insiders note that viewer reception often plays a significant role in ESPN’s programming decisions.
For now, First Take continues to feature a rotation of guest hosts and contributors. But if the audience response is any indication, many viewers are ready to see Amina Smith take the moderator’s chair on a permanent basis.
