Since Shannon Sharpe's departure from First Take, Stephen A. Smith has been navigating a revolving door of guest analysts on ESPN's flagship debate show. But after months of rotating faces, Smith is making it clear: he wants his old partner back.

Speaking on the Out The Mud podcast alongside former NBA stars Zach Randolph and Tony Allen, Smith didn't hold back. He wants ESPN to bring Sharpe back to the seat across from him—and he's not shy about saying so.

"I'm always going to want him back. The company knows I want him back," Smith said. "Now, y'all going to do what y'all got to do because I'm the executive producer, but I'm not an executive VP of the company. I have bosses to answer to. They have to make that decision. But they already know I want him back. If we can get him back, I want him back, I ain't apologizing for that to nobody. He was great for me. He was great to me, and I'm not gonna forget that. He was great for the show."

It's a rare moment of vulnerability from Smith, who typically commands the room with unshakable confidence. But even with his massive influence at ESPN, he admits the final call isn't his to make.

The timing of Smith's public plea is notable. Just last week, First Take welcomed back another former co-host, Skip Bayless, as a guest analyst—a reunion that sparked nostalgia among longtime fans. Now, Smith is hoping for a similar encore with Sharpe.

ESPN parted ways with Sharpe in July 2025 after he settled a lawsuit with an ex-girlfriend who accused him of rape. Sharpe has consistently denied the allegations, calling the relationship "100% consensual."

Despite the circumstances of his departure, Sharpe has made it clear there's no bad blood between him and Smith. "No, I will say this, Stephen A. has called me and been there every step of the way. I will say that. I will say, Stephen A. has reached out, he's called, asked me anything," Sharpe said. "I know a lot of people say a lot of things about Stephen A., but all I can attest to is the way Stephen A. is with Shannon."

For fans who miss the electric chemistry between Smith and Sharpe, this could be the first step toward a reunion that many thought was gone for good.