To say Stephen A. Smith shocked folks last week would be an understatement. The First Take host, never one to hold back, casually dropped a political bombshell—saying he might run for president in 2028. And nope, it wasn’t a hot take for laughs. In fact, Smith claimed, “I have no choice,” hinting that the idea isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds. Apparently, he’s been nudged by powerful voices—elected officials, media heavyweights, and yes, even billionaires. So, is this just noise, or are we really talking about President Stephen A.?

Still, while many were raising eyebrows, others were raising their fists in support. Former NFL kicker Jay Feely surprised everyone when he publicly backed Smith’s potential run. Speaking on The Hill, Feely said he’d “revel” in debating the ESPN star and praised his ability to connect with people. “I think what the American people want the most, they want transparency, and they want people to be honest about what they believe,” Feely said. Even more surprising? Feely, a self-proclaimed MAGA supporter, once discussed Smith’s crossover appeal with Donald Trump himself.

But just when the conversation was heating up, Magic Johnson tossed in a playful curveball. “Is it true that my boy Stephen A. Smith is running for President? 😂🤦🏾‍♂,” the NBA legend posted. Funny, right? But here’s the twist—Magic wasn’t just commenting on Smith. He had his own endorsement to share.

Just recently, Magic posted a photo celebrating his Boca Founders Entrepreneur Award, posing with John Utendahl and Ken Chenault. “A big thank you to one of the founders of the Boca Black Executive Leadership Conference John Utendahl and former American Express CEO Ken Chenault, for presenting me with the Boca Founders Entrepreneur Award at the 26th Annual Boca Black Executive Leadership Conference,” he wrote.

Then came the real headline. “Ken Chenault is my hero… He’s one of the biggest reasons why I’m a successful businessman today,” Magic wrote. And then the bomb: “Ken is so smart he could be the Mayor of NY, the Governor NY, or the President of the United States.” Looks like Magic Johnson’s got his presidential pick—and it’s not Stephen A. Smith.

Apart from being hooping legend, Magic Johnson himself built a business legacy too. As of now, his estimated net worth is $1.5 billion. However, he praised Utendahl for building one of the largest black-owned investment banking firms in America. “I’m very impressed with John. John Utendahl started on Wall Street and later formed one of the largest African American-owned investment banking groups named the Utendahl Group.”

Is Stephen A. Smith actually running for US president?

Stephen A. Smith’s political tease wasn’t just locker room talk—it’s spiraled into a legit national debate. What began as a bold comment has turned into something much bigger. According to Smith, even his pastor has told him to “leave the door open,” nudging him to consider a run. That’s not your average sports take—that’s pressure from every corner, pushing him into a conversation he never really asked for. And now? He’s genuinely weighing it out.

On the surface, it might sound wild. But Smith’s words paint a clear picture: “People. Literally people have walked up to me, including my own pastor…” That kind of feedback, especially from someone as close as a spiritual advisor, shows how much faith people are placing in public figures outside of politics. And let’s be real—America’s had a recent run of turning celebrities into serious candidates. So maybe this isn’t as far-fetched as it feels.

Still, not everyone’s buying into the hype. Carmelo Anthony, for one, kept it real on 7PM in Brooklyn. “Nah, that’s not a lane that you want to play in,” Melo said, though he applauded the ambition. Instead, he threw support behind Maryland Governor Wes Moore, calling him “intelligent” and someone who “understands people.” Melo’s message? Dream big, but don’t lose track of what leadership really looks like.

Then came Donald Trump—because of course he did. At a NewsNation town hall, he called Smith’s idea “great” and even said he’d “love to see him run.” Coming from someone who literally rewrote the celebrity-to-president playbook, that’s quite the nod.

But if Trump leaned in, Charles Barkley slammed the brakes. “C’mon, man. Stop it,” Barkley as per Sports Illustrated. For him, the joke went too far—and now, Smith’s taking it too seriously. So while the crowd might be split, one thing’s clear: Stephen A. has everyone talking.