First Take announces its 2026 HBCU schedule

Press Release

September 10, 2026

Author

John Manzo

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Summary

  • First Take will continue its annual HBCU Tour this fall with Stephen A. Smith and Shae Cornette
  • The show will visit Virginia State on Oct. 9 and Tuskegee on Nov. 6
  • ESPN has supported the First Take HBCU Tour initiative since 2019, visiting HBCUs and celebrating HBCU culture nationwide

On-site live shows this fall include Virginia State University & Tuskegee University

ESPN’s signature morning debate show First Take with featured commentator and executive producer Stephen A. Smith and host Shae Cornette today announced its annual historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) tour this fall. 

The stops include trips to Virginia State University on Oct. 9 in Petersburg, Va. and Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Ala. on Nov. 6. HBCUs and dates are subject to change.

ESPN’s First Take HBCU Tour is an initiative the company has supported since 2019. Last year, Smith and team visited Norfolk State University, the Amazon Magic City Classic presented by Coca-Cola, Delaware State University and Bethune-Cookman University.

The show has traveled to Winston-Salem State University (2023) and home to alum, Smith; 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.

ESPN’s First Take airs weekdays from 10 a.m. – Noon ET on ESPN.

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