SEC Media Days serves as college football's unofficial opening ceremony -- a four-day traveling roadshow where coaches, star players, television personalities and reporters descend on one city to shape the sport's biggest narratives before a single snap is played. 

The 2026 version kicks off on Monday, with Tampa, Florida hosting the event for the first time. Dallas, Nashville and Atlanta have served as hosts for the previous three years.

No conference does theater quite like the SEC. Media Days has evolved from a routine preseason obligation into one of the sport's premier annual events, where perception often matters almost as much as production. Before anyone wins a game this fall, the race for headlines begins in Florida.

Six new coaches, four years without a title: The biggest questions facing each SEC team at 2026 media days

Brandon Marcello

Oklahoma's Brent Venables began the festivities on Monday morning. Four coaches will speak in the main room each day. Steve Sarkisian and Texas finish out the week on Thursday afternoon. Several preseason Heisman candidates will also be in attendance, including Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning, Ole Miss star Trinidad Chambliss and Oklahoma's John Mateer.

Here's a look at where to watch 2026 SEC Media Days, along with a breakdown of the full appearance schedule ahead of the anticipated event. 

Where to watch 2026 SEC Media Days 

Dates: July 20-23
Location: Tampa Marriott Water Street + JW Marriott | Tampa, Florida
TV: SEC Network | Live stream: ESPN+

2026 SEC Media Days schedule 

All times Eastern

Monday, July 20

Oklahoma (10:05 a.m.) — Brent Venables | 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

Kentucky (1:30 p.m.) — Will Stein | 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 

Florida (10:30 a.m.) – Jon Sumrall | Jadan Baugh, RB; Myles Graham, LB; Vernell Brown III, WR

Ole Miss (1:30 p.m.) – Pete Golding | 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

Texas (2:55 p.m.) – Steve Sarkisian | Trevor Goosby, OL; Arch Manning, QB; Colin Simmons, DE

More from SEC Media Days

• United front: Brent Venables, new OU AD face the hard SEC questions together
• Six new coaches, four years without a title: Burning questions for each team
• Ahmad Hardy cleared after shooting: Mizzou star RB's timeline for return remains TBD
• John Mateer learns from 'uncomfortable' 2025: Oklahoma QB eyes offensive resurgence
• Right man for the job: 5 reasons why Kentucky will thrive under new coach Will Stein