First Take

First Take begins with NFL legend Donte 'Hitner" Whitner! Whit, Harry and DanO are troubled by a world where Tua isn't the Falcons' starter. There's no way Tua is THIS bad, right? Then, the NFL is officially ridding themselves of the Pro Bowl! Shedeur Sanders goes down in history as the Browns last Pro Bowl QB, and we get to reminisce about the greatness of Sean Taylor's Brian Moorman hit forever. RIP Pro Bowl. Next, could the NFC West get 3 teams into the playoffs? Fantasy Football Advice: The difference between the 5th and 17th ranked TE last season was 2 PPG. TEs are essentially kickers. Please don't yell at us in the comments for not posting hour 2. First Take is only one hour today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with this year's Super Bowl contenders. Can Sam Darnold strike gold again in Seattle, or will he be shipped back East?? Next, the crew discusses whether the Broncos will take a step back this upcoming season. Finally, it's time to hear what Mad Dog is mad about this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with a discussion on the approved bans of pro players returning to school by two of the biggest conferences in collegiate sports. Then a deep dive into the NFC North, are the Lions the best team? What is Jordan Love's ceiling? Next, will Mahomes & the Chiefs bounce back this season or is the dynasty coming to an end? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Evan Cohen filling in for Stephen A. Did the Browns make a massive mistake going with Deshaun Watson over Pro Bowler Shedeur Sanders? Then, Paul Finebaum joins to discuss the current College Football coaches on the hottest seat entering the 2026-2027 season. Next, Field Yates joins to tell you how to win your Fantasy Football leagues this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with two stumbling pigskin powerhouses. The NCAA is in the thick of another eligibility controversy, while the Browns named a QB who hasn't won in 5 years as their starter. Then, C.J. Stroud looks to bounce back from a season in which he slid over 15 spots in our QB power rankings, and potentially cost himself tens of millions of dollars. How well must he play for the Texans to be Super Bowl contenders? Next, UnSportsmanLike's (6AM-10AM on ESPN2/ESPNU) Evan Cohen breaks down the Ravens schedule. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with the Browns naming Deshaun Watson starting QB! He hasn't been good in 5 years, and is afraid of fans booing him! Is starting him the correct decision? Then, Paul Finebaum hops on to talk Indiana and if they may be underrated heading into the season... Next, coming off of the news of Deshaun starting, Kevin Clark picks the Browns schedule! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with a simply BLASPHEMOUS decision by the Cleveland Browns. Deshaun Watson takes the reins week one in an attempt to finally prove to the Browns he can play QB. Is he deserving of a 6th chance, or are the Browns making a monumental mistake by not starting Shedeur? Then, Ben Johnson seemed irrationally angry at Caleb Williams for missing Colston Loveland on a simple seam route. Are his comments something or nothing? Next, how confident are you in the Bucs this season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Mendoza vs. Stroud! Which QB impressed our experts more? Then, LSU alum Swagu picks their schedule! You'll be SHOCKED to see which game he has them losing! Next, Jerry Jones speaks up on fighting! He will fine any Cowboy responsible for causing a ruckus at joint practices! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with the Raider rumination! Mendoza or Kirk? Number one overall pick, or 15 year veteran? With subpar o-line play and an abysmal receiving core, is it better to keep Mendoza sidelined until his team improves, assuring the young Hoosiers' confidence isn't flushed down the MGM Grand drain? Then, Kevin Clark picks the Cowboys schedule! How many more losing season can Jerry suffer? Next, Dan Campbell's time is running low. Jared Goff racks up top 10 QB stats annually, while Jahmyr Gibbs is the top fantasy prospect in the league! Yet, the Lions still haven't reached a Super Bowl... Is this the year? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with the NFC's and AFC's most dangerous offenses! Which team will convert more explosive plays, more 60 yd runs, more trick plays leading to wide open touchdowns: Patriots or Eagles? Then, perhaps our overindulgence into the Vikings electric QB battle between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy has us forgetting about their immense untapped potential as NFC contenders? Next, Jordan Rodgers picks Texas's schedule! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins the Patriots and Eagles joint practice! Quinyon Mitchell shutdown former teammate A.J. Brown. Jalen Hurts refused to exchange pleasantries with his former star WR teammate. Beef! Why do these two have so much disdain for one another? Then, Shedeur's upcoming preseason start! Here's the scenario: one QB is coming off of a mediocre rookie season making 5th round money. The other is coming off of 6 straight mediocre seasons and two torn ACLs but makes $50,000,000. Which one should start? Next, Myron Medcalf weighs in on the NCAA granting players who participated in training camps the option to go back to school! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with an all-time Jordan Love debate! Is he Good? Great? Elite? Trash? Mediocre? Is not having him in your top ten blasphemous? Then, Roger Goodell has "no doubt" about an NFL team being based outside of the USA within a few years. Are we pro or anti expansion? Next, Mad Dog is MAD at Jayden Daniels number issue, Tyrese Haliburton's unrealistic outlook on his small market, finals choking Pacers, and Little League teams treating a New Jersey slugger like he's prime Melky Cabrera! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with pondering Mahomes greatness! Can the three time Super Bowl champion really lead the Chiefs back? Then, are the Browns a QB away from dominating the AFC? Next, can Jalen Hurts lead the Eagles on a Super Bowl run? Considering he has a super team around him, what happens if the Eagles don't impress? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with fresh Cowboys takes. They've already added numerous pieces to their defense through free agency and the draft, but is it enough? Is another massive trade looming? Then, PGA superstar Chris Gotterup joins to break down his FedExCup Playoffs performance. Next, CC picks Bama's gauntlet of a schedule! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with another UnSportsmanLike takeover! CC and Evan are here to sling takes, give us NCAAF cupcakes, and dive into Lakers snakes. Where did the AP poll get it wrong? Then, Jeanie Buss is on the outs as her family overruled her and sold the Buss stake in the Lakers. Now, as Jeanie contests the sale, we deep dive where it all went wrong in LA. Next, CC picks the Chiefs schedule! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with the never ending, always intriguing Browns QB race! Did Shedeur or Deshaun take the lead after preseason week 1? Then, can Burrow and the Bengals afford another slow start, or would 0-3 out of the gates officially bury this era of Bengals ball? Next, what happens if Josh Allen doesn't win the Super Bowl this season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with preseason football! Jaxson Dart impressed in his 2026 debut with a rifle off platform touchdown pass to rookie Malachi Fields, but took another big hit and wound up in the blue tent. Postgame, he noted that NFL doctors seem to only take major precautions with him! Is Dart correct? Then, Kevin Clark has the Rams winning 15 games!! Next, are the Bears the team to beat in a loaded NFC North? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with an underwhelming Titans debut. Cam Ward struggled to find Carnell Tate in their first game together. What has to change for them to find their groove? Then, Steve Smith Sr. and Chris Canty tell us how athletes overcome fear! Next, are you buying the Rams as overwhelming Super Bowl favorites? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with the Bengals preseason opener! Joe Burrow's offensive line failed him yet again, as he faced numerous pressures and even took a sack in his one quarter of action. Are we staring down the barrel of another disappointing Bengals season due to subpar o-line play? Then, Drew Allar balled out in his preseason debut for the Steelers, tossing two touchdowns and adding another on the ground. Should Aaron Rodgers be worried about Allar lurking in the shadows, awaiting his opportunity to overtake the ole' gunslinger as QB1? Next, DanO picks the Colts schedule! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with a loaded slate of preseason football! Are you looking forward to Carson Beck potentially repeating his stellar HOF game performance? Do you want to know if Carnell Tate is next up in a line of insane Ohio State WRs? Or, are you more of a Bengals watcher, patiently awaiting Joe Burrow's tight spirals and Tee Higgins' circus catches? Then, Perk reveals his top 5 point guards of all time! You'll be shocked to see where Frank Howard lands! Next, Jayden Daniels can't believe his alma mater, LSU, is giving a current player his number! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Big Perk reminiscing about his old triple double machine of a teammate and godfather to his child! Always on full-go. Always driving manically to the rim, yet finishing with the grace of Jalen Brunson. After two decades of lending his entire mind, body and soul to the game of basketball, we give Brodie his flowers

First Take resumes with Evan Cohen! UnSportsmanLike's premier host dishes on the Vikings win total, Kyler vs. J.J. and Jordan Love's win%. Then, are we underrating the Eagles offense? Their QB can't complete a pass between the numbers and they lost their number one receiver to the Pats, but could they outdo our expectations? Next, the Super Bowless QBs; who are you picking out of Lamar, Burrow, and Allen to win a ring first? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with the Vikings announcing Kyler Murray as their week 1 starter! Can he take them to the playoffs, and how does this affect former 1st round pick J.J. McCarthy? Then, the Rays lead the Yankees in the AL East, but the Evil Empire is still favored to come out of the lackluster American League. Why? Next, noted Bears fanatic Shae Cornette predicts their daunting schedule! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Green Bay's monstrous season! What happens to Matt LaFleur and Jordan Love if Green Bay misses the playoffs? Then, are you taking the Rams or the field? Aaron Donald, Myles Garrett, Matt Stafford??? Who's picking against this super team? Next, O Schrag's top 5 impact rookies heading into the NFL season! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with a shaky start to the Packers season. A brutal schedule plus Micah Parsons most likely sitting until at least week 6 puts all of the pressure right on Jordan Love's shoulders! UnSportsmanLike's Evan Cohen goes off on the Green Bay's analytics darling! Next, UnSportsmanLike's Chris Canty threw a take into the ether: Patrick Mahomes has clearly declined. We respond! Next, Open Champion Ryan Fox gives us an update on life since joining the illustrious and exclusive club of one-time major winners! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with the always controversial Eagles! Their 2026 journey begins without A.J. Brown, and WITH added pressure on Jalen Hurts after every exec and scout slammed his quarterbacking prowess this offseason. Devonta Smith is a WR 1 for the first time, and Saquon needs to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 campaign. Which Eagles player needs to have a big season the most? Then, with Mahomes returning from injury and the Chiefs adding zero offensive weapons, what are fair expectations for them? Next, should Deshaun Watson start week 1 over Shedeur? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Dijonai Carrington's ejection. The Sky forward received a flagrant 2 after clotheslining Sophie Cunningham. Did the WNBA get this one right? Then, Cowboys fans rejoice! First Take thinks you might have a good team this year! If Caleb Downs is a day one starter, and with a full season of Quinnen Williams, could Dallas make a deep playoff run? Next, with the Dodgers in a minor freefall post trade-deadline, should we be worried about their dynastic run coming to an end. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ESPN Investigative Reporter Tisha Thompson receives a tip that, if true, could damage Shohei Ohtani's picture-perfect reputation.    To listen to the rest of The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani, follow 30 for 30 Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with more suspicious Jaylen Brown comments. The Sixers fourth option said he hasn't spoken with Jayson Tatum since being traded to Philly. Weren't these guys best friends? Perhaps their relationship was more fractured than we thought. Then, Pablo found out... again. Kawhi had an undisclosed sponsorship deal with Daktronics, opening up yet another can of worms that may lead to Leonard leaving Toronto. Next, Stephen A. picks the Seahawks schedule! Joey Moneybags has them way under, while CC thinks they may repeat as champs! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Jahmyr Gibbs massive new contract! Gibbs inked a three year/$67.5 deal with the Lions making him the highest-paid RB in NFL history! Does this immediately make Detroit NFC North favorites? Then, Stephen A. addresses Caitlin Clark addressing social issues. Next, what in the world was Purdue AD Tommy McClelland thinking? Did he forget IU just won the national title in football? 1.03: Ja'Marr or Puka? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with the oft criticized Jalen Hurts. His stats don't align with any of the top players, and the eye test shows he can't even throw down the middle of the field... but he has won a Super Bowl. Should we stop criticizing Hurts, or berate him even more? Then, can Alabama football fly under the radar, or is this a completely conjured up story ripped from the depths of Nick Saban's illustrious brain? Next, Stephen A. and CC pick the Bengals schedule! You have pick 1.6 in fantasy: CMC or Amon-Ra Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Aaron Donald's potential return! The all time great defensive tackle may come back to a star studded Rams defensive line already equipped with Myles Garrett and Poona Ford. Would they be the clear cut favorites in the NFC? Then, Jeff Passan thinks the Dodgers recent slide means nothing, PCA could win MVP, and Aaron Judge may boost the Yankees offense back to its scoring ways. Next, Stephen A. has Michelle Smallmon's Packers starting out 6-0!! What??? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with the always controversial Philadelphia Eagles! Are there any certainties with this Jalen Hurts led squad, or are they the NFC's biggest unknown? Then, coming off of a disappointing 2025 campaign in which he tore his ACL and LCL, does Patrick GOAThomes have anything to prove this season? Next, Mad Dog is MAD about Tarik Skubal's tenure with the Tigers, people caring about NFL training camp, and PCA's Babe Ruth disrespect! Who are you drafting first in fantasy football: Mahomes or Hurts? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Tarik Skubal's Dodgers debut! The MLB's newest evil empire struck out against the Cubbies losing 5-1 with their new ace on the mound. Is the squad with the $400 million payroll the team to beat come playoff time? Then, Doggy runs through the Lions lackluster last place schedule! Is Detroit the best bounce back candidate heading into the NFL season? Next, are the Chargers too reliant on Justin Herbert? Have they failed the perennial playoff loser more than he has failed them? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After Tarik Skubal signed with the Dodgers, he defended critics calling his new ballclub a super team. Does Skubal have a point? Who is the biggest threat to the Dodgers in the MLB? Plus, Jaylen Brown was back on Twitch, but this time, he expressed his excitement to play alongside LeBron James. Does Brown present a problem for the 76ers, or will he and James develop chemistry that can lead them to a title? All that and more on First Take. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The wait is over. Bijan Robinson has signed an extension of 3 years that is worth up to $75 Million. What does this record-breaking contract mean for the rest of the NFL, especially Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs? Plus, the Yankees dropped another heartbreaker against the Cardinals on Monday night. Did the Bronx Bombers do enough at the MLB trade deadline? Do they have enough to make a deep postseason run? All this and more on First Take. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Good morning, and welcome to First Take. Baseball's trade deadline is in the books, but the biggest move has everyone asking the same question: Did the Dodgers just put the rest of the league on notice? And after all the blockbuster deals, is baseball headed for another labor showdown? Plus, Drake Maye and AJ Brown are finding their groove during training camp. Will AJ Brown have a bounce back season with New England? Or will it be the same struggles with a different starting quarterback? That's all ahead on First Take. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Good morning! It's time for First Take. Deadline Day delivered a stunner with the Skubal shocker. So now the question is: Have the Dodgers become unbeatable? And after baseball's wildest trade deadline in years, are we one step closer to a lockout? Plus... Deshaun's Declaration. The Browns quarterback had plenty to say about his future in Cleveland. You need to hear it—and we'll tell you what it really means. And in the NFL... Have the Kansas City Chiefs done enough this offseason to get back to the Super Bowl? Or has the rest of the AFC finally caught up? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Will Mannion bring out best in Jalen Hurts and the Eagles' offense, or will it be another disappointing season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with GOTI. Huh? Yes, GOTI. Dak dubbed the cowboys high flying offense the "Greatest Offense There Is." Where is all of this confidence coming from, and is it a good sign for the Cowboys? UnSportsmanLike's own Evan Cohen ponders all of the Cowboys hype currently circulating. Then, former SEC loyalist Paul Finebaum joins to wax poetic about the Big Ten. Next, is Deion Sanders visiting Browns training camp an issue? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with an oddly quiet offseason for the Cowboys. George Pickens is back as one half of the most dangerous WR duo in the NFL. Does another 1400 yd, 9 TD season for him make the Cowboys Super Bowl contenders? Next, can Justin Jefferson have a big season with two mediocre QBs dueling for the starting job in Minnesota? Next, Jordan Rodgers breaks down Ohio State's and Indiana's schedules heading into a sure to be crazy college football season! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Joe Burrow! Place yourself in a world where the Bengals miss the playoffs AGAIN. Will we have to officially move him below Jalen Hurts in the QB rankings? Then, Canty's A-List! Who are the top 5 QBs with the most on the line? Next, UnSportsmanLike's Evan Cohen and Chris Canty get into a HEATED LeBron debate. Does King James have more to lose this season than Joel Embiid? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with a sad and drawn out ending to Steph Curry's career. Draymond is returning, and it seems as if the Warriors are running back the "limp into the play-in" strategy for Steph's final years... Then Triple H talks Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar! Next, Mad Dog is MAD at Jose Caballero, Janik Sinner's withdrawal, and Notre Dame's greed! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with a Jerry Jones bombshell! Supposedly, the Cowboys are in on multiple trade candidates! Is Maxx Crosby to Dallas a sure thing? Then, J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray will split 1st-team reps in training camp. Are the Vikings handling their QB situation the right way? Next, are the Cowboys or Eagles the team to beat in the NFC East? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with a must win season for the Ravens. How well does Lamar need to play for the Ravens to be considered Super Bowl contenders? Then, the Knicks are still favored in the East after the 76ers signed LeBron. Does this officially remove LeBron from the goat convo? Next, Peter Rosenberg on who to watch out for at Summer Slam! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with UnSportsmanLike's Evan Cohen doubling down on his Bears take! He loves 'em! Also, which QB is most likely to bounce back after subpar 2025 seasons? Then, Shams says the Sixers want LeBron to play PG! Can Jaylen Brown adjust to being the fourth option? Next, how much pressure is on Dak to make the Super Bowl this year? Does the big game being on ESPN make it more important for him? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Sir Charles ripping King James. After lambasting him for ring chasing while forgetting most NBA stars are three years into retirement by age 40, Chuck says LeBron needs TWO rings with the Sixers to pass Jordan. Then, which QB has the most pressure to win this season and why is it C.J. Stroud? Next, after getting absolutely zero help for Steph Curry this offseason, can we officially close the Warriors championship window? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with LeBron's new digs! The GOAT finally ended his long, drawn out free agency saga by choosing Philly! Can he take anything from the '08 Celtics and win in his first year with a new super team, or will it take a year of chemistry searching to get to the mountaintop? Then, let's dream and say the Cowboys DO make the Super Bowl... in that unfathomable scenario, who's their most important player? Next, Joe Tess joins to PUMP US UP for SummerSlam this Saturday and Sunday at 6 ET!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Patriots veterans report to camp today. Are the Patriots finally ready to turn the corner, or are expectations getting way ahead of reality? Then, is this the year Arch Manning loaded AFC West, which team stands above the rest? We've got lives up to the hype and takes over college football? And in a loaded AFC West, which team stands above the rest? We've got plenty to debate on First Take! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's First Take! Patriots veterans report to training camp today. Will New England take a step forward—or a step backward—this season? Plus, is Arch Manning ready to become college football's next superstar and the favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick? And in the NFL, who is the team to beat in the AFC West? We'll debate it all, right now on First Take! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to First Take! NFL training camps are open, the storylines are heating up, and football season is officially here. But first, all eyes are on Lane Kiffin. A new chapter begins, and the expectations couldn't be higher. Is the pressure on him to deliver immediately? That's today's debate: Who has more to prove this season—Ole Miss, showing it can thrive without Lane Kiffin, or Lane Kiffin, proving he can take LSU to the next level? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices