Cam Newton Returns To ESPN & First Take With A Multi-Year Deal, Added To HBCU Tour

Newton's Growing Presence on the Airwaves

The former NFL MVP and Heisman Trophy winner will bring his knowledge of football, charismatic flair, and engaging personality as a First Take contributor, replacing Shannon Sharpe.  

As on his Fourth and 1 Podcast, Newton can be bold and outspoken; however, he delivers insightful analysis and unique perspectives on sports that resonate with audiences. He's becoming a very influential voice in the sports discourse world.   

Spotlight on HBCUs

Newton, a proud alum of Auburn University, has become a strong advocate for student-athletes at HBCUs, a role that is significant for First Take's HBCU Tour.

He consistently highlights the importance of HBCU programs by sharing inspiring and impactful stories of their student-athletes.

Fans and sports insiders will closely watch Newton return alongside co-hosts, Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim.

Previous First Take Coverage:

First Take Adds Four HBCU Football Campus Stops This Fall

Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim will take ESPN's First Take crew on a tour of four HBCU campuses this fall. The popular morning debate show will expand its on-site coverage of HBCU football at Norfolk State, Delaware State, Bethune-Cookman, and at the Magic City Classic featuring Alabama A&M and Alabama State.

Last season, the First Take HBCU Tour visited Howard, Tennessee State, and Morehouse College in Atlanta, featuring appearances by Cam Newton and former colleague Shannon Sharpe.

This year's expanded coverage to four schools will continue the program's commitment to spotlighting HBCU athletes, traditions, and stories by bringing its dynamic blend of sports commentary and culture to Black college campuses.

The 2025 First Take HBCU On-Site Schedule

• August 28th — Norfolk State University: The kickoff of First Take's HBCU road tour begins in Norfolk, VA. New head coach Michael Vick will celebrate the Spartans' season-opener against Towson for a great football weekend.
• October 24th — Amazon Magic City Classic presented by Coca-Cola (Birmingham, AL): First Take heads to one of the nation's most storied HBCU football rivalries —Alabama State vs. Alabama A&M. The broadcast will bring heightened national attention and media excitement to the city of Birmingham and Legion Field on the eve of the Magic City Classic. It will be the first meeting between ASU coach Eddie Robinson Jr. and Sam Shade at Alabama A&M.
• October 29th — Delaware State University: The show travels to Dover for a special live event at Delaware State before the Hornets take on Norfolk State at Lincoln Field in Philadelphia. The program will highlight new head coach DeSean Jackson, the football team, and the university's vibrant culture and student life.
• November 20th — Bethune-Cookman University: First Take wraps its 2025 HBCU fall tour in Daytona Beach, showcasing Wildcats traditions and previewing late-season gridiron drama as Bethune-Cookman seeks to finish strong in conference play.

Fans Can Expect From First Take

By centering its show at diverse HBCU campuses, including a classic rivalry on a neutral site. First Take ensures the unique pageantry and historical impact of these institutions receive mainstream visibility, driving momentum for HBCU football and student life throughout the season.

• In-depth interviews with coaches, student-athletes, and alumni
• Live crowd engagement and spirited performances from school bands and cheerleaders
• Hot-topic debates on HBCU sports, racial equity in athletics, and the future of Black college football

Additional coverage of First Take:

ESPN's First Take Visits Morehouse College

Today, Morehouse College and the Atlanta University Center will host First Take with Shannon Sharpe, Stephen A. Smith, Cam Newton, and Molly Qerim. The live on-site show's road trip to HBCUs will be its first visit to the campus of Morehouse College.

Two First Take hosts are HBCU alums - Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe. Smith is the ESPN signature debate show's executive producer. Meanwhile, Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe is from Savannah State.   

The Atlanta University Consortium family - Morehouse, Clark Atlanta, and Spelman - has been invited to witness the historic visit on Morehouse College's Century Campus Green at  830 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30314. The live broadcast will begin at 9:00 AM CT/10:00 AM ET to 11:00 AM CT/12:00 AM ET.

Saturday's season finale at B.T. Harvey Stadium will feature the Clark Atlanta Panthers (6-2-1, 5-2 SIAC) squaring off against the Morehouse College Maroon Tigers (1-8, 1-6 SIAC).

Expect visits from administrators and coaches from around the AUC.

ABOUT THE 2024 HBCU FIRST TAKE TOUR

The three scheduled broadcasts will piggyback off last season's highly successful outings at Florida A&M and Winston-Salem State. In 2024, Howard University, Tennessee State, and Morehouse College will be honored to host First Take on their respective campuses. Each program will be held on the Fridays before Hampton meets Howard; Tennessee State hosts Eastern Illinois and the premiere Atlanta University Center (AUC) rivalry game as Clark Atlanta visits Morehouse College.

FIRST TAKE SCHEDULE AT HBCUs 

Sept. 20 at Howard University (Washington, D.C.)

Howard University, one of the most famous HBCU programs in the country, will face Hampton University the following day in the fourth annual "Battle for the Real HU" game. 

Oct. 11 at Tennessee State University (Nashville, Tenn.)

The First Take team will be joined by former NFL star and Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George, who has been the Tennessee State head football coach since 2021.  

Nov. 8 at Clark Atlanta at Morehouse College (Atlanta, Ga.)

Historic Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Clark Atlanta University make up one of the world's oldest and largest associations of HBCUs. This weekend, rivals Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta will face each other at B.T. Harvey Stadium in Atlanta for their annual showdown. 

FROM FIRST TAKE

First Take has a history of visiting HBCUs or supporting HBCU week since 2019. The show has traveled to Winston-Salem State University (2023) and home to alum, Smith. Savannah State University (2023) is home to alum, Shannon Sharpe. And, to Florida A&M with comedian Kevin Hart and movie producer Will Packer (2021). 

The show also celebrated HBCU Week at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in 2022 and at 76ers Fieldhouse in Wilmington, Del. in 2019. 

First Take airs weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on ESPN.