First Take

First Take Resumes as the crew touches on two teams in week one who struggled to put points on the board and did not impress anyone. Should we be worried more about the Patriots or the Steelers offense? Next 6-time Grammy Award nominee, Kenny Chesney, joins the show to give his thoughts on Tennessee football, the Patriots, Sean Payton and more! Then the crew takes a trip down to H-Town as the Texans may need a big bounce back win this weekend. Is CJ Stroud really capable of leading this team? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take Begins with some big QB injuries. LSU may be going into their biggest game against Ole Miss WITHOUT Sam Leavitt as Lane Kiffin mysteriously listed him as doubtful late last night. In the NFL, Joe Burrow may be dealing with some back issues that could linger. Will Leavitt play? Will we have another injured season of Burrow? Next Mina Kimes joins the show to talk about the Chicago Bears. We all know how good their offense is but should the defense be a cause for concern? Then comments were made by Titans star defensive tackle, Jeffery Simmons, about Jalen Hurts ahead of their matchup this weekend. Has the Jalen Hurts slander gone too far? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take Resumes with a big NFC North matchup this weekend. The Vikings take on the Bears as Carson Wentz and Brian Flores' defense look to bring the Vikings to 2-0 while the Bears look to prove that their week one offense was not a fluke. Next the Protect College Sports Act moves even closer to a vote in the Senate. If this bill is passed what could that mean for the landscape of college sports as we know it? Then Mad Dog is back so you know what that means... Why is Mad Dog Mad makes it's long awaited return! See what Mad Dog is upset about today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take Begins with some disruption in Dallas. Jerry Jones said he's optimistic that they can fix the defense and play better. This is now multiple years of a dreadful defense in Dallas however, so do we really believe him? Next, it's the game of the year in college football. Lane Kiffin brings his LSU squad back to his old stomping grounds as LSU takes on Ole Miss in Kiffin's first game back in Oxford after coaching them for the past six seasons. Then Stephen A. loses it over Mets fans cheering for Pete Alonso's 300th career home run AGAINST THE METS. Did Mets fans have a good reason to cheer? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take Resumes with Dallas' dreadful defense. The Cowboys spent the offseason revamping their entire defensive unit which was worst in the NFL last season. However the Giants were still able to run all over them and Jaxson Dart shined. Do we still expect this defense to be top half of the league? If Dallas' defense still struggles with all new personnel, is it time for some coaching changes? Next Stephen A. gives his top five NFL teams after week one. Are the Chiefs back? The Rams are already outside the top five? Then Joe Burrow and the Bengals got a big win against the Buccaneers on Sunday where their defense recovered four fumbles against Baker Mayfield. But does this game convince us that the Bengals are for real, or do we need to see more? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take Begins as we finally get some more Mahomes magic as the Chiefs down the Broncos on Monday Night Football. Chris Canty, host of UnSportsmanLike on ESPN, joins to talk about how Kenneth Walker and the Chiefs defense shines as Bo Nix and Sean Payton take a rough week one loss. How concerned should we be with Denver? Next the Rams take on the Giants in week two of Monday Night Football. Could the Giants build on their week one performance and take down a reeling Rams team who is dealing with major injuries already? Then Stephen A. goes off on Kawhi Leonard as his trade to the Raptors is officially completed. How far back does this set back the Clippers franchise? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take Resumes with more disfunction in Dallas. The Giants defense kept the Cowboys offense in check for the whole game. What does this say about a Cowboys offense we were expecting to be one of the best in the league? Next Paul Finebaum joins to cover the miracle comeback that Arch Manning and Texas was able to put together against Ohio State this past Saturday. Did Arch Manning have his Heisman moment? Then the Cardinals pull off a stunner and beat the Chargers. How much criticism does Justin Herbert deserve for the loss? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take Begins with Josh Allen's takeover in Houston. Both Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson make big statements with their new head coaches with big week one wins. Should we be concerned with the Texans defense or can we just write it up to Josh Allen? Next Michael Irvin joins the show to go head to head against Stephen A. about the Cowboys lackluster performance on Sunday Night Football. Michael Irvin isn't concerned... but should we be? Then the crew breaks down the Bears beatdown of Carolina. Caleb Williams and the Bears almost score 60. Could this be the best offense in the NFL? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with the sluggish Rams! Perhaps arriving in Australia mere hours before their dual against the 49ers was the wrong move? Then, the Giants face the Cowboys in a Sunday night matchup sure to excite! OBJ, Malik Nabers and Skattebo return with plans to silence the Cowboys hype machine! Next, Desmond Howard defends Bryce Underwood's lackluster week one performance! Going Away Gift: Start Quentin Johnston this week! He will have 19.19 points! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take Begins with Australia's newest team. After staying in Melbourne for a week the 49ers cruise to a win over the Rams who were clearly missing that L.A weather. Then Chris "Mad Dog" Russo joins to remember the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and everyone who tragically lost their lives that fateful day. Next, with AJ Brown confirmed to be out at least four weeks how will the Patriots survive? Who needs to step up on offense to fill his role? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take Resumes as Mina Kimes joins to break down last night's stunner between the Seahawks and Patriots. How much did Drake Maye's lackluster performance change your perception of him? Will he be able to bounce back next week against the Steelers? Then to the NFC North where the crew argues about who needs a faster start: Jordan Love or Kyler Murray. What version of Kyler do the Vikings need to make some real noise in the NFC? Next the crew talks some Josh Allen. Will his struggles continue against the Texans defense this weekend? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take Begins with a Super Bowl Rematch in Seattle. Injuries galore as both Sam Darnold and AJ Brown left the game. But in the absence of Darnold, Drew Lock was able to led the Seahawks to a comeback victory. Which injury will have a bigger impact on their team? Next Paul Finebaum joins the show to break down what Arch Manning needs to do to beat Ohio State this weekend. Will Arch step up? Then some controversy in Michigan as QB Bryce Underwood responds to his coaches' comments about his long-term QB status. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with The NFL's Australia game. Do you give the 49ers any chance to score on the dominant Rams offense? Then, Stephen A. wonders if Joe burrow is lying about being in Cincinnati for "the long haul." Next, Paul Finebaum joins to lampoon Dabo Swinney after a shocking blowout loss at the hands of Lane and The Tigers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Finebaum flaming a failing entity. The NCAA and SEC embarrasses themselves daily! Now, the SEC may expel LSU? No shot, right? Then, NFL IS BACK!! Who wins tonight: Pats or Seahawks? Next, give it up for day three of Michigan/Western Michigan talk! The MAC now wants the result overturned! Should the record books show this as a WMU win? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take Resumes as co-host of UnSportsmanLike on ESPN, Chris Canty, gives his first top five NFL teams of the season. The Los Angeles Rams are not his number one team, should we pump the breaks a little on the Rams hype? Then the crew discuss Aaron Rodgers and what his last season could mean for his legacy. Does he have anything left to prove? How far can the Steelers really go? Next, there's an update in the SEC v LSU court case. Will this battle linger on all season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take Begins with a look ahead to tomorrow night's first game of the NFL season, Seattle vs New England. Which team comes out on top in this Super Bowl rematch? Should the new Christian Gonzalez contract change the way we look at this game? Next, with the injury to Pro-Bowl guard Tyler Smith how important is it for Dallas to get off to a fast start? Should we expect their offense to continue to produce at the same level? Will their defense let them down again? Then the first NFL game in history to be played in Australia is this weekend. How do we expect the travel to impact the Rams and 49ers? Will Aaron Donald play? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with a major clock controversy at the Big House. Michigan connects on a last second hail mary to beat Western Michigan by one. But on the broadcast there was no time left after the play before, how was this possible? Next Dan Orlovsky said he wasn't shocked by Clemson's performance against LSU on Saturday. Did anyone else expect this result? Should we have? Does this signal the beginning of the end of the Dabo Swinney era in Clemson? Then both Trinidad Chambliss and Dante Moore had great games to power their teams to victory this past weekend. Who means more to their squad? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with a break down of the mayhem in Michigan. A hail mary wins it for the Wolverines, but did they really deserve it? Next a conversation is had about Dabo Swinney and Clemson. Does Clemson's performance leave you with any hope for the rest of the season? Might this be Dabo's last year with the Tigers? Then the crew discusses who their more confident in this year, Ohio State or Texas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take Begins with breakdown of the injunction granted to the ex-pro players seeking eligibility from LSU. Kiffin and LSU still have a big fight ahead of themselves against the SEC. Will these players ultimately be able to play? What impact is this whole situation going to have on their week one performance against Clemson? Next Stephen A. discusses last night's big win for Coach Prime and Colorado. How big of a win was Colorado's one point victory over Georgia Tech? Then the crew debates which win this weekend would be bigger, Clemson over LSU or Louisville over Ole Miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take Resumes with a dive into Alabama Football. Is Alabama still a national championship or bust school? How much longer of a leash will they give Kalen DeBoer? Then the crew moves to UNC. Should they be regretting hiring Bill Belichick? How far can Belichick take them this year? Next, in order for Miami to make it back to the College Football Playoff and ultimately win does Darian Mensah have to be a Heisman Candidate? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with a preview of Clemson v LSU this weekend. Should we expect any tempers to flare between the teams due to their coaches' comments this past week. How much does Dabo Sweeney have to prove after some down seasons? Then Big Perk joins the show to give his opinions on the Clippers disaster and the punishments that came with it. Next Stephen A. goes over his top five NFL teams heading into the season, and some of his choices may surprise you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst joining to discuss the punishments given to Kawhi Leonard, Steve Ballmer and the Clippers. Who got punished the most? Was Kawhi let off easy? Then Stephen A. and the crew dive into Deion Sanders and Colorado this year. How much does Deion have to prove this season? Could he be on the hot seat? Next Peter Schrager comes on to talk about the decline of Jalen Hurts and AJ Brown's relationship. Who has more to prove this season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take Resumes with a message from Adam Schefter warning Stephen A. that the Cowboys are coming. Will their offseason additions be enough to dethrone the Eagles in the NFC East? Next Jordan Rodgers breaks down Caleb Williams and what his ceiling could be this year. Will the Bears repeat their success from last season? Then a look into the Chiefs, will Mahomes be able to bounce back and perform at a high level even after his ACL surgery? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with a break down of the comments made by Dabo Sweeney about Lane Kiffin and his recruiting tactics. Is Dabo in the right or does it come across as complaining? Next the crew gets into CJ Stroud's contract extension talks. Is CJ Stroud worth franchise QB money? Then Chris Fowler joins the show to preview the first full slate of college football this Saturday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take Resumes with the crew's prediction of the top 10 players in the NFL Top 100 List. Is Myles Garrett the clear best player in the NFL? Then Evan Cohen, host of UnSportsmanLike, discusses why he thinks Jalen Hurts is set up for a massive leap, potentially even to MVP. Next Paul Finebaum joins to take a look into the first official weekend of college football and discuss which teams should be on upset alert this weekend? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take Begins with Lane Kiffin's comments about his teams' support. Is this entire process causing more harm than good to LSU? Is recruiting these players even worth it at this point? Then a discussion on the Rams and what they need from Aaron Donald. How good should we expect Donald to be after a two year hiatus? Next, will Burrow and the Bengals finally get over the hump or should we prepare for more of the same? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with a long lost football powerhouse. USC used to have Heisman winners and Pete Carroll. Now, Lincoln Riley is desperately trying to fill The Coliseum! Then, after adding Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett, are the Rams officially this year's villains? Next, Paul Finebaum joins to give us the latest with the SEC disputing a Louisiana judges ruling that the conference can't punish teams that add pro players returning to college!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with the triumphant returns of Aaron Donald and Stephen A.!! Donald hasn't played football in three years, and it feels like decades since SAS last appeared on First Take! Whose return has you more pumped? Then, Bill Belichick and UNC started the season BLAZING hot with a massive 15-10 win over TCU! Were we all wrong? Is Ole' Billy Boy about to right the ship in Chapel Hill? Next, does Jordan Love need to play at 2016 Rodgers levels to lead the Pack to the playoffs? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take Resumes with what the 2027 top 10 picks could potentially be. What do we need to see from Dante Moore and Arch Manning to cement their draft stock? Then the crew argues who is more important to their teams' success, Myles Garrett or Micah Parsons. Next a dive into what the Chargers and Justin Herbert could look like this season. Is this the season Herbert wins MVP? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Fernando Mendoza's poor pre-season performance. Does this change our view on Mendoza? How long will the Raiders start Kirk Cousins? Then a deep dive into UNC's schedule. How many wins is realistic for them this year? Will it be enough for Bill Belichick to keep his job? Next the crew discusses which offenses are harder to defend: AFC or NFC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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