The Crown Network Welcomes Jacob Tissot As Co-Host of First Word

CINCINNATI, OH — The Crown Network is excited to welcome Jacob Tissot to the team as co-host of First Word with James Rapien, the network's morning sports show airing weekdays from 7–11 a.m. ET live on YouTube and RESN. Each day, Tissot will help break down the biggest stories in Cincinnati sports, bringing a perspective that’s authentically local and equally informed.

Before arriving at The Crown, Tissot spent four seasons as a student assistant with the University of Alabama football team. During his time in Tuscaloosa, he contributed to a National Championship and three SEC titles, getting an inside look at what elite preparation, execution, and winning culture look like. That experience fits perfectly for someone now tasked with covering teams and stories that Cincinnati fans care about most.

“I’ve always been a fan of Cincinnati sports and the opportunity to share my passion and perspective around my hometown teams is incredibly exciting.”

— Jacob Tissot, Co-Host, First Word | The Crown Network

Before Alabama, Tissot graduated from St. Xavier High School. He grew up watching the Bengals and Reds with the same passion you did. Now, he has the credentials and the platform to turn that fandom and encyclopedic sports knowledge into daily coverage that local fans will be eager to consume. That combination of local perspective and high-level sports experience is exactly what First Word was built around.

“Jacob’s knowledge and his ability to speak at length about everything from the NFL, MLB, and NBA to college football, high school sports and beyond is what makes him an integral part of our daily programming lineup.”

— D.J. Hodge, President | The Crown Network

First Word with James Rapien launches June 1, 2026, as part of The Crown Network's debut across YouTube, RESN, and social platforms. With Tissot alongside Rapien and Marisa Contipelli each morning, the show is stacked with voices that Cincinnati fans will connect with from the jump.