Stephen A. Smith Says He’d Like to Host ‘Wheel of Fortune’

Stephen A. Smith is busier than he’s ever been, appearing on numerous ESPN shows on top of his First Take duties and recording his podcast, The Stephen A. Smith Show, three times per week. Even so, he’s not closing the door on another high-profile opportunity, should it come knocking. 

On Monday, Pat Sajak announced that he will step away from hosting Wheel of Fortune after the show’s 41st season, which is set to begin in September. 

Smith, an avowed fan of the classic game show, says he’d like to fill in as host, even if it’s only in a temporary capacity.

“I want to throw my name in the hat!” Smith exclaimed on Wednesday’s episode of his podcast. “I ain’t trying to give up my day job, I ain’t trying to give up my podcast. But I tell you, if Wheel of Fortune called to ask me to host the show for a couple of days, I wouldn’t mind. I wouldn’t mind hosting that show while folks try to figure out what those letters mean.”

Smith went on to speculate who he might try to recruit to fill the Vanna White role, should he get the nod. Clearly, he’s excited about the idea, even if there’s no real indication that he’ll be in the mix once the show begins searching for Sajak’s replacement.

As Smith’s star continues to rise at ESPN, he’s branched out into the world of news and political commentary, and he doesn’t seem to have any plans to limit himself to the programs and subjects that he is already known for. Love him or hate him, Stephen A. bringing his signature energy to an institution such as Wheel of Fortune would be appointment television.