The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has officially kicked off its much-anticipated 2025 SEC Football Media Days, an annual event that sets the tone for the upcoming college football season. Running from July 14 to July 17, 2025, the event is hosted once again in Atlanta, Georgia, marking the third time since 2018 that the city has welcomed the conference's preseason media extravaganza. The College Football Hall of Fame and the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park serve as the backdrop for four days of insightful discussions, spirited interviews, and a deep dive into the prospects of the 16 powerhouse teams that make up the SEC.
This year’s Media Days come at a pivotal moment for the SEC, which is eager to reclaim its dominance on the national stage after a couple of years without a team in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. The conference’s last national title came in 2022, and the 2025 season promises to be a battleground as teams vie for supremacy in what is widely regarded as the most competitive and talent-rich conference in college football.
The event’s schedule is packed with appearances from head coaches and key players, providing fans and analysts with a chance to gauge the pulse of each program. Monday, July 14, opened with SEC commissioner Greg Sankey, who proudly declared the SEC a "super conference," emphasizing its unparalleled strength and influence in college football. The day featured coaches and players from LSU, Ole Miss, South Carolina, and Vanderbilt, each bringing their own narratives and ambitions to the table.
LSU head coach Brian Kelly was the first coach to speak, candidly acknowledging the Tigers’ struggles in season openers under his leadership, with an 0-3 record. Kelly stressed the importance of a strong start, especially as LSU prepares to face Clemson on August 30. “We still think we are the Death Valley,” Kelly said, defending LSU’s claim to the iconic nickname despite Clemson also laying claim to it. His remarks set a determined tone for the Tigers, who are looking to build momentum early in the season.
Ole Miss, coming off a solid 10-3 season, was represented by head coach Lane Kiffin, who expressed enthusiasm about the Rebels’ 2025 schedule, which includes nine home games at Vaught Hemingway Stadium. Kiffin also shared a lighter moment discussing his playful social media rivalry with Auburn’s Hugh Freeze. “I have a thing with him going back a few years ago and he posted a picture of some 2-pound bass,” Kiffin joked. “So I’ve always posted bigger fish pictures back towards him.” Kiffin’s confidence in his team’s prospects was evident as he prepared to open the new season against Georgia State on August 30.
South Carolina’s Shane Beamer highlighted the Gamecocks’ momentum following a 9-4 record last season, including a six-game winning streak before a bowl loss. “There’s a lot of momentum going into this season because of what we did last season,” Beamer said. However, he cautioned against complacency, noting that teams often get overhyped in the summer only to face harsh realities in Week 1.
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, returning after an exciting first season that included an upset victory over then-No. 1 Alabama, boldly stated his aspirations: “Going 7-6 last year wasn’t good enough. I came back because I want to win a national championship.” Vanderbilt’s coach Clark Lea echoed this ambition, confidently asserting, “We believe that we have what it takes to play into January.”
Tuesday’s lineup featured Auburn, Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas, each bringing critical storylines to the forefront. Texas, under coach Steve Sarkisian, will lean heavily on quarterback Arch Manning, a former No. 1 overall recruit and a member of one of football’s most storied families. Manning’s highly anticipated first season as Texas’ starter has fans buzzing, as the Longhorns aim to build on their College Football Playoff semifinal appearance last year. Sarkisian, alongside linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. and defensive back Michael Taaffe, represented Texas at Media Days, underscoring the team’s playoff ambitions.
Georgia, led by Kirby Smart, is aiming for its third SEC championship in four years. The Bulldogs bring a talented squad including linebacker CJ Allen, defensive back Daylen Everette, and quarterback Gunner Stockton. Tennessee, coached by Josh Heupel, faces the challenge of replacing starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who transferred late in the spring. The Volunteers will rely on linebacker Arion Carter, tight end Miles Kitselman, and defensive tackle Bryson Eason as they seek to build on their first playoff appearance in program history.
Auburn’s Hugh Freeze, quarterback Jackson Arnold, defensive lineman Keldric Faulk, and offensive lineman Connor Lew rounded out the day, with Freeze’s team looking to regain footing amid high expectations and pressure. Freeze’s golf game and social media banter with Lane Kiffin added a colorful subplot to the event, illustrating the camaraderie and competitive spirit among coaches.
Wednesday saw Alabama, Florida, Mississippi State, and Oklahoma take center stage. Alabama, under second-year head coach Kalen DeBoer, is determined to bounce back from a somewhat disappointing nine-win campaign in DeBoer’s debut. Defensive lineman Tim Keenan III, linebacker Deontae Lawson, and offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor join DeBoer in representing the Crimson Tide. LSU’s Brian Kelly praised Alabama’s physicality, calling it “the most physical team” he’s faced as a head coach. The highly anticipated Alabama vs. LSU game is set for November 8, a matchup that could have significant playoff implications.
Florida, Mississippi State, and Oklahoma also shared their perspectives, with coaches Billy Napier, Jeff Lebby, and Brent Venables respectively, joined by key players ready to make an impact. Oklahoma’s appearance is notable as the team continues to navigate its relatively recent addition to the SEC.
Thursday will conclude the event with Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and Texas A&M. Arkansas coach Sam Pittman, Kentucky’s Mark Stoops, Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz, and Texas A&M’s Mike Elko will bring the final insights and expectations for their teams. Player representatives from each school will also provide their viewpoints as the conference prepares for a season filled with high stakes and intense rivalries.
Beyond the on-field discussions, the 2025 SEC Media Days also featured exciting announcements. Netflix revealed a new seven-episode docuseries titled "SEC Football: Any Given Saturday," premiering August 5, 2025. Produced by Box To Box Films, the series promises an inside look at the 2024 SEC football season, though notable programs like Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Missouri, Ole Miss, and Oklahoma have opted out of participation.
Amid the media buzz, speculation about legendary Alabama coach Nick Saban’s future surfaced. Now retired and serving as an analyst for ESPN’s College GameDay, Saban’s potential return to coaching remains a hot topic. Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin and former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy both expressed belief that Saban is not done yet, suggesting a comeback could be on the horizon, whether in college or the NFL.
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey also addressed the conference’s scheduling format, affirming that the SEC will continue evaluating its eight-game conference schedule and is not yet ready to adopt a nine-game slate like the Big Ten. Sankey’s confidence in the SEC’s status as a "super conference" was evident throughout the event, reinforcing the league’s commitment to maintaining its competitive edge.
Fans can catch all the action live on the SEC Network, with additional coverage on ESPN2, and streaming options available through the ESPN app, ESPN+, and Fubo. As the 2025 college football season draws nearer, the SEC Media Days have set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling and fiercely contested campaign, with teams hungry to etch their names into college football history once again.
