SEC Media Days has become college football’s unofficial kickoff — a four-day roadshow that brings coaches, standout players, TV voices and reporters together in one city to set the tone for the season long before the first snap.
The 2026 SEC Media Days begin Monday in Tampa, Florida, marking the city’s first time hosting the marquee preseason event. Dallas, Nashville and Atlanta were the stops for the previous three years.
Few conferences know how to command the spotlight like the SEC. What once felt like a standard preseason media obligation has grown into one of college football’s signature annual events, where momentum, messaging and perception can shape the conversation before the standings ever do. This year, the chase for headlines starts in Florida.
Six new coaches, four years without a championship: The biggest questions for every SEC team at 2026 Media Days
Brandon Marcello
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables opened the event Monday morning. Four head coaches are scheduled to take the main stage each day, with Steve Sarkisian and Texas set to close the week Thursday afternoon. Several preseason Heisman Trophy candidates are also expected in Tampa, including Texas quarterback Arch Manning, Ole Miss standout Trinidad Chambliss and Oklahoma’s John Mateer.
Here is how to watch 2026 SEC Media Days, along with the complete appearance schedule for one of college football’s most anticipated preseason events.
Where to watch 2026 SEC Media Days
July 20-23
Tampa Marriott Water Street + JW Marriott | Tampa, Florida
TV: SEC Network | : ESPN+
2026 SEC Media Days schedule
All times Eastern
Monday, July 20
| John Mateer, QB; Eddy Pierre-Louis, OL; Taylor Wein, DL
Missouri (11:25 a.m.) — Eli Drinkwitz | Cayden Green, OL; Jamal Roberts, RB; Nicholas Rodriguez, LB
| Ty Bryant, S; Kenny Minchey, QB; Willie Rodriguez, TE
Tennessee (2:55 p.m.) — Josh Heupel | DeSean Bishop, RB; Arion Carter, LB; Jeremiah Telander, LB
Tuesday, July 21
Georgia (9:45 a.m.) – Kirby Smart | Drew Bobo, OL; Gunner Stockton, QB; Raylen Wilson, LB
Auburn (11:35 a.m.) — Alex Golesh | Champ Anthony, DB; Byrum Brown, QB; Alex McPherson, K
Vanderbilt (1:30 p.m.) – Clark Lea | Sedrick Alexander, RB; Issa Ouattara, DL; Junior Sherrill, WR
South Carolina (2:55 p.m.) – Shane Beamer | Nyck Harbor, WR; LaNorris Sellers, QB; Peyton Williams, DB
Wednesday, July 22
Alabama (9:05 a.m.) – Kalen DeBoer | Zabien Brown, DB; Ryan Coleman-Williams, WR; Bray Hubbard, DB
| Jadan Baugh, RB; Myles Graham, LB; Vernell Brown III, WR
| Trinidad Chambliss, QB; Will Echoles, DT; Kewan Lacy, RB
Texas A&M (2:55 p.m.) – Mike Elko | Daymion Sanford, LB; Marcus Ratcliffe, S; Marcel Reed, QB
Thursday, July 23
LSU (9:05 a.m.) – Lane Kiffin | TJ Dottery, LB; Trey’Dez Green, TE; Whit Weeks, LB
Arkansas (10:30 a.m.) – Ryan Silverfield | Caden Kitler, OL; Quincy Rhodes Jr., DE; Sutton Smith, RB
Mississippi State (1:30 p.m.) – Jeff Lebby | Anthony Evans III, WR; Kelley Jones, CB; Kamario Taylor, QB
| Trevor Goosby, OL; Arch Manning, QB; Colin Simmons, DE
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