Who Will Replace Hoda Kotb on 'Today'?

On Sept. 26, Hoda Kotb announced she would be exiting Today. The fan-favorite joined NBC News in 1998 before becoming a co-host of Today's fourth-hour slot in 2007. It was there that Kotb made a name for herself along with Kathie Lee Gifford (and their wine glasses).

In 2018, after Matt Lauer exit during his #MeToo scandal, Kotb also became the co-anchor of Today's main show with Savannah Guthrie. For the last six years, Hoda and Savannah have been television mainstays, becoming a beloved duo that has drawn in fans across demographics.

However, after nearly seven years as an anchor, Kotb announced she would step down from her position sometime in early 2025.

Although she will remain with the NBC News family, her new role has yet to be announced. An exact date for her departure also remains a mystery although she'll hit her seven-year mark on Jan. 2, 2025—so it seems likely she'll stay on through at least that date.

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Related: Fans Can't Keep It Together as Hoda Kotb Makes Major Career Announcement: 'Just Fell to My Knees'

The question many fans are already asking, however, is who will replace Kotb on Today? As the morning show co-host has taught us, filling a vacant seat on a highly successful morning news show can be quite tricky. Ideas are likely already floating around Rockefeller Center.

Here are some of the top contenders:

Who will replace Hoda Kotb as the co-anchor of Today?

Craig Melvin

Craig Melvin joined Today as the news anchor in 2018. He's a familiar face with the Today audience and frequently fills in as an anchor when either Savannah or Hoda are out. While some viewers may believe longtime weather anchor Al Roker is perhaps too old for the job, Melvin is only 45, which would make him a prime candidate.

Related: Hoda Kotb Announces 'Painful' End to 'Today' Career

Carson Daly

The other option from the pre-existing Today crew is, of course, Carson Daly, who is currently the features anchor. Daly has been on the show since 2013 and has hosted plenty of other shows and events, so viewers know he's got the chops.

Sheinelle Jones

While not a host of Today, Sheinelle Jones is one of the co-hosts of the program's third hour and often pops onto the main show. She joined the show in 2014, and it could be time for a promotion to the big leagues.

Dylan Dreyer

In 2012, Dylan Dreyer arrived at Today as a weather correspondent—and she was so beloved, that she managed to snag a hosting gig on the show's third hour along with Jones. She would also be a popular choice for the co-anchor spot, although Dreyer and Guthrie are similar in many regards, and the network may be looking for someone to balance out the desk.

Jenna Bush Hager

The daughter of George W. Bush has been a longtime friend of both Guthrie and Kotb and currently hosts Today's fourth hour, Hoda & Jenna with Kotb. Jenna Bush Hager obviously gets along well with Guthrie, but she may be too similar to her co-anchor to land the role.

A fresh face

While hiring for Today often happens from within the fold, there's a possibility that the show may look outside of its current staff to replace Hoda. It could poach an anchor from another network, snag someone from another NBC property, or look for a celebrity similar to the hosts of The View. Only time will tell.

Next: What Hoda Kotb Earns at the 'Today' Show As She Plans Her Exit