Who will be next to step in the ring with Skip Bayless?
Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe is done with Fox Sports after accepting a buyout with the network, leaving behind Skip Bayless and "Undisputed" after nearly seven years of heated debate and tense on-air moments.
But the show must go on, and there are a bevy of personalities, both former sports figures and current TV show talking heads, who could be set to join Bayless on the debate show on a permanent basis in the coming weeks.
MORE: Why Shannon Sharpe is leaving FS1, 'Undisputed'
For the moment, it looks like the Fox executives are mostly looking in-house, according to Front Office Sports. Of the notable replacement candidates, four of them are currently employed by FS1, while three other notable names come from outside the network.
Here's who could be next in the hot seat across from Skip:
Shannon Sharpe 'Undisputed' replacement
There are a number of names in the running, according to Front Office Sports:
LeSean McCoy
The former NFL running back, "Shady" is currently a co-host of FS1's "Speak" alongside Joy Taylor and Emmanuel Acho. The program already tackles some off-the-field issues and controversial topics, so the move to spar with Bayless wouldn't be too out of left field.
McCoy, though, doesn't have a substantive TV career, as he's been on the air waves on FS1 since 2022. According to FOS, he may be the clubhouse leader and is getting an "extended audition" alongside Bayless.
MORE: Skip Bayless called out for 'reckless' reporting on Jimmy Butler's father
Joy Taylor
Taylor, a Fox Sports stalwart, is already used to going toe-to-toe with a controversial voice on the airwaves. She was formerly the news update anchor on "The Colin Cowherd Show" on FS1, and also served as the moderator for "Undisputed." Currently, she hosts "Speak" on FS1.
Emmanuel Acho
The former NFL player has been an ascending talent on FS1 and is a co-host of "Speak" alongside Taylor and McCoy. Known for nuanced and sometimes controversial opinions, Acho joined FS1 after spending the early part of his TV career with ESPN.
Nick Wright
The longtime sports radio host and TV anchor is the host of "First Things First" on FS1 and has been with Fox Sports since 2016. He has a stat-based lean and provides well thought-out arguments and debate — which would make for very entertaining TV with Skip Bayless.
MORE: Stephen A. Smith recruits Shannon Sharpe to ESPN
Keyshawn Johnson
Currently with ESPN as a morning show host, Johnson has been with the network for over a decade, and a jump to FS1 would give him an opportunity for some more debate show discussion. It's unclear if that's what Johnson wants, but he's supposedly in the running nonetheless,
Max Kellerman
Kellerman has been on the airwaves in some form or fashion for over 20 years, with his first big break coming on ESPN's "Around The Horn" in the early 2000s. Since then, Kellerman has hosted his own shows and has provided commentary on all sports across radio and TV. He was ousted from "First Take" by co-host Stephen A. Smith in 2021, so he would get the best (or worst, depending on your viewpoint) of both worlds if he moved over to host with Bayless.
Michael Irvin
Irvin, who is currently dealing with some legal troubles, has long been on the airwaves on both ESPN and NFL Network. He's spent time on debate shows in years past as a fill-in or guest, but hasn't had an extended run as a debate show talking head.