The Southeastern Conference has officially unveiled the full schedule for its highly anticipated 2025 SEC Football Media Days, a marquee offseason event that annually provides fans, coaches, players, and media members alike with a preview of the upcoming college football season. As one of the most prominent conferences in college athletics, the SEC’s Media Days serve as both a launchpad for new narratives and a temperature check on the state of the programs, coaches, and storylines that will define the fall.
This year’s Media Days will take place July 14–18 at the Omni Hotel in downtown Dallas, Texas, marking the first time the event will be hosted in the Lone Star State. The move comes amid a wave of realignment and strategic branding by the conference, which has seen massive growth in national influence and television reach. With Texas and Oklahoma now officially part of the SEC, the decision to hold Media Days in Dallas signals a new era for the league, one that both embraces its Southern heritage and expands into new geographic territory.
The SEC’s decision to host the event in Dallas is more than symbolic. It’s a calculated move to capture one of the country’s most fertile recruiting territories and show that the newly-expanded SEC footprint includes the heart of Texas. For years, the SEC has mined Texas for top talent, but now, with flagship programs from the state officially in the fold, the conference is planting its flag in Big 12 country and making it clear that the SEC isn’t just a southeastern brand—it’s a national one.
Commissioner Greg Sankey is expected to open the event with his annual State of the Conference address, which typically sets the tone for the week. Last year, Sankey addressed topics ranging from NIL legislation to transfer portal chaos, and with the landscape of college athletics continuing to shift rapidly, this year’s address could be even more consequential. With potential changes on the horizon regarding revenue sharing with student-athletes, ongoing antitrust lawsuits, and the specter of further realignment, Sankey’s remarks will be closely watched by fans, administrators, and power brokers across the country.
The full schedule for Media Days reveals the order in which teams and head coaches will take the stage, along with a selection of student-athletes who will accompany them. Traditionally, three players from each program are chosen to attend, usually a mix of high-profile veterans, team leaders, and potential breakout stars. For fans and media alike, Media Days offer an early look at the faces who will define the upcoming season—not just on the field, but in the storylines and locker room dynamics that shape every team’s journey.
Day one, July 14, will feature LSU, Ole Miss, and Vanderbilt. Brian Kelly enters his third season at LSU with lofty expectations, especially after a solid 2024 campaign that saw the Tigers push Alabama for supremacy in the SEC West. The spotlight will be on LSU’s quarterback situation and how the Tigers plan to reload on defense. Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss, meanwhile, remain one of the most intriguing programs in the league—an offensive juggernaut with a flair for chaos and big plays. Kiffin’s press conferences have become appointment viewing, as the head coach is never afraid to speak candidly or toss a few verbal grenades in the direction of his rivals. Vanderbilt, under the guidance of Clark Lea, continues to focus on building a sustainable foundation and improving year over year, even if the wins are hard to come by in the gauntlet of SEC competition.
Day two will spotlight Georgia, Mississippi State, and new addition Texas. The Longhorns’ first appearance at SEC Media Days as a full member is bound to be one of the week’s major events. After a successful season that culminated in a College Football Playoff appearance, Texas arrives in the SEC with momentum and swagger. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has turned the corner in Austin, and now he faces the challenge of keeping Texas competitive in a conference that offers no easy Saturdays. Georgia, winners of two of the last four national titles, remains a national powerhouse under Kirby Smart. Despite losing key talent to the NFL, the Bulldogs continue to reload with top-tier recruits and disciplined coaching. Mississippi State, entering a new chapter after several coaching changes, will look to carve out an identity in a division that demands toughness and consistency.
On day three, fans will hear from Alabama, Kentucky, and Missouri. Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer will make his SEC Media Days debut, succeeding the legendary Nick Saban. DeBoer’s presence in Dallas will draw massive attention as he outlines his vision for the Crimson Tide in the post-Saban era. Alabama remains a perennial title contender, but all eyes will be on how the transition unfolds and whether the new staff can maintain the program’s lofty standards. Kentucky, led by Mark Stoops, continues to be one of the league’s most stable and consistent programs. Stoops has made Kentucky football relevant in a basketball-crazed state, and his ability to find and develop underrated talent has been the cornerstone of the Wildcats’ success. Missouri enters the season with confidence after a breakout year in 2024, and head coach Eli Drinkwitz will look to build on that momentum with returning stars and a hungry roster.
Day four shifts the spotlight to Florida, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Much like Texas, Oklahoma’s debut at SEC Media Days represents a significant moment in college football history. The Sooners bring with them a proud tradition, rabid fan base, and a sense of unfinished business following some up-and-down years in the Big 12. Brent Venables’ squad will be tested early and often in SEC play, but Oklahoma’s talent level suggests they’re ready for the challenge. Florida’s Billy Napier enters what many consider a critical year. With patience wearing thin among Gator faithful, Napier must show real progress on both sides of the ball to quiet the noise and stabilize the program. Arkansas, under Sam Pittman, is coming off a tough season that tested the team’s resilience. Known for his blue-collar approach and likable demeanor, Pittman will face questions about the Razorbacks’ trajectory and how they plan to climb back into contention in a brutal SEC West.
Finally, the event will close on Friday, July 18, with Auburn, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze enters his second year at the helm with cautious optimism. After a rocky but promising first season, Freeze is banking on improved quarterback play and a revamped defense to take the Tigers to the next level. South Carolina’s Shane Beamer remains one of the most charismatic figures in the SEC, and his program continues to generate excitement with its explosive offense and energetic approach. The Gamecocks have become a tough out for anyone in the league, and Beamer will look to take the next step toward contending for the East crown. Tennessee, led by Josh Heupel, rounds out the week with high expectations after a strong showing in 2024. Known for his high-tempo offense and innovative play-calling, Heupel has brought Tennessee back into national relevance and will use Media Days to highlight the team’s development and rising star power.
Throughout the week, Media Days will also feature interviews, roundtable discussions, and live coverage across the SEC Network and affiliated outlets. It’s a carefully orchestrated spectacle that blends football strategy with media theater, offering everything from serious discussion about NIL policy to lighthearted moments with players showcasing their personalities. With so many new faces and high-stakes questions looming over the season, this year’s event promises to be one of the most compelling in recent memory.
For fans starved for football during the long summer months, Media Days serve as a vital fix. For coaches, it’s a chance to set the narrative, sell their vision, and steer public perception before a single snap has been played. For the players who attend, it’s both a reward and a responsibility—an opportunity to represent their schools and grow into leadership roles. And for the media, it’s the unofficial start to college football season, a week filled with hot takes, coach speak, and endless speculation.
As the SEC continues to evolve and expand its influence, Media Days remain a cornerstone of the conference’s identity. This year, with Texas and Oklahoma in the fold and a new chapter beginning in Dallas, that identity feels both familiar and refreshingly new. One thing’s for sure: come July, all eyes in the college football world will be on the Omni Hotel, where the biggest names in the game will gather, the questions will fly, and the stories of the 2025 season will begin to take shape.