SEC MEDIA DAYS CENTRAL
Be sure to keep it locked in here during SEC Media Days — OutKick.com will be your home for exclusive content and breaking news.
JOSH HEUPEL
Tennessee's Josh Heupel made his rounds in Atlanta on Thursday, as the Vols had their time in the spotlight at SEC Media Days. There have been questions surrounding certain aspects that affect the flow of the game for the Heupel offense, one being 'injuries' on the field.
TENNESSEE’S JOSH HEUPEL DISCUSSES WR BRU MCCOY STATUS AND SOLUTION TO INJURY STOPPAGES
The Tennessee offense had to deal with multiple stoppages on drives because of potential player injuries. Whether that player was actually hurt is a different story itself, but the play stoppage seemed to take a turn for the worse this past year.
The Josh Heupel era at Tennessee started off with a few games he would love to have back. Now, going into year two in Knoxville the expectations are to continue moving this program in the right direction. And though he hasn't been asked to sign any mustard bottles (yet), he jokingly commented that he would've loved to have had a golf ball during that Ole Miss game.
HOLD THE MUSTARD! TENNESSEE’S JOSH HEUPEL LOOKS FORWARD TO A SPICY YEAR TWO
The Vols head coach is looking to replicate that type of atmosphere this season.
Josh Heupel Wants The Fastest & Fiercest Defense In CFB
"As a defensive play caller, if there's ever a place you want to be - it's 3rd and long."
Trevon Flowers
Outkick 360: Trevon Flowers Talks Road To Tennessee
Vols DB Trevon Flowers has taken an interesting path to get to Tennessee and had to make a couple of big decisions before he ever even stepped foot on campus in Knoxville.
HENDON HOOKER
Hendon Hooker tells OutKick 360 What Vols Fans Can Expect This Fall
Vols QB Hendon Hooker is leading the way on Rocky Top. What can Vols fans expect from this offense?
TENNESSEE’S HENDON HOOKER CALLS NIL PAY A ‘BLESSING’, BUT CEDRIC TILLMAN SAYS THERE’S A CATCH
Hooker was asked about a potential salary cap revolving around NIL.
Hooker also talked about WR Bru McCoy, along with the WR room. He also discussed his time at the Manning Passing Academy.
Cedric Tillman
Cedric Tillman's Mentality at UT
Cedric Tillman believes he's one of the best WR's in all of college football and knows that it's because of the work that he's put in throughout his career in Knoxville.
BRYAN HARSIN
After a wild off-season on the Plains, it was Bryan Harsin's time to talk at SEC Media Days, and he didn't hold back during his opening statement.
BRYAN HARSIN PUTS OFF-SEASON AUBURN DRAMA TO BED AT SEC MEDIA DAYS
Rather than have to deal with tons of questions about the inquiry into his leadership over the winter, Harsin got straight to the point within the first few minutes.
“There was an inquiry. It was uncomfortable. It was unfounded and it presented an opportunity for people to personally attack me, my family and, also, our program. And it didn’t work.”
JIMBO FISHER
Texas A&M's offense struggled in the 2021 season, and it just lost one of its top players in wide receiver Ainias Smith for an unspecified amount of time.
AGGIES’ JIMBO FISHER MUM ON AINIAS SMITH, BUT HE TALKS NICK SABAN TO CLOSE SEC MEDIA DAYS
The star wide receiver was arrested on Wednesday on DWI charges, unlawfully carrying weapons, and possession of less than two ounces of marijuana, according to Brazos County Jail records.
TEXAS A&M TOP WR AINIAS SMITH ARRESTED FOR DWI, UNLAWFULLY CARRYING A WEAPON
Trey Wallace On Texas A&M & Jimbo Fisher
Trey Wallace discussed the off-season dynamic between Aggies HC Jimbo Fisher & Nick Saban, plus an outlook on the season in College Station.
KIRBY SMART
Georgia coach Kirby Smart will get a raise from approximately $7.2 million a year to $10.2 million a year this season.
GEORGIA’S KIRBY SMART IS AMONG HIGHEST PAID COLLEGE FOOTBALL COACHES AT $10.2 MILLION A YEAR
The new contract agreed upon Thursday, after winning the national championship last season, makes him one of the highest paid college football coaches in the nation.
OUTKICK 360
TexasAg.com's Billy Liucci Unpacks Saban-Fisher Drama
Can the relationship between Nick Saban & Jimbo Fisher ever be fully repaired?
Jalen Catalon On Recent Success In Arkansas
ICYMI from Day Three: GREG SANKEY INTERVIEW
Greg Sankey: How The Transfer Portal Is Impacting The League
The real issue is not just the portal; it's that we've removed restrictions that have existed.
Sankey's Full Interview:
Click to the next page to see everything from Day Three of SEC Media Days.
Wednesday, July 20
Day 3: SEC MEDIA DAYS EDITION 3 WRAPS WITH SPINS ON NEVER-ENDING SAGA THAT IS NAME, IMAGE & LIKENESS
KIRBY SMART
It was a different setting for Georgia’s Kirby Smart on Wednesday morning at SEC Media Days – he took the podium as the defending National Champion.
KIRBY SMART MAKES IT CLEAR: GEORGIA WILL BE THE TEAM DOING THE HUNTING THIS YEAR
There are certain aspects of pressure that come with taking the stage, knowing the questions of repeating will be coming at him fast.
BILLY NAPIER
Heading into his first season as the head coach at Florida, Billy Napier has a lot on his plate when it comes to putting a competitive team on the field.
MOVE GEORGIA-FLORIDA MATCHUP OUT OF JACKSONVILLE? KIRBY SMART AND BILLY NAPIER HAVE DIFFERING OPINIONS
But one topic that seems to be rearing its head again centers around the Gators’ Jacksonville-housed matchup with Georgia.
Florida QB Anthony Richardson also discussed his first impression of Napier:
SAM PITTMAN
Arkansas coach Sam Pittman's office door is almost always open to his players. He is seen as one of the nicest coaches in the SEC, if not the country.
‘DON’T TOUCH THE JUKEBOX,’ SAYS ARKANSAS COACH, UNLESS IT’S FOR HIS ‘LOVE’
But have the Razorbacks "arrived"?
The team won more games last season at 9-4 than they had in the previous three years combined by two games.
ARKANSAS FOOTBALL HAS NOT ARRIVED, ‘NO, NO,’ SAYS COACH SAM PITTMAN, ‘FAR FROM THAT’
Coach Sam Pittman is not sitting on his laurels or on that Hog statue outside his vacation home on Lake Hamilton.
There aren't many coaches in College Football that come off as genuine as Arkansas coach Sam Pittman.
A THUNDERSTORM LED TO SAM PITTMAN BUILDING A MASSIVE HOG STATUE AT ARKANSAS HOME
Whether it be a story about his current team or a hog statue sitting outside his lake house, he'll always shoot you straight. Speaking of that Razorback sitting on the banks of a lake in Arkansas, how it got there is a story in itself.
TEXAS A&M
Texas A&M star wide receiver Ainias Smith was arrested on Wednesday on DWI charges, unlawfully carrying weapons, and possession marijuana.
TEXAS A&M TOP WR AINIAS SMITH ARRESTED FOR DWI, UNLAWFULLY CARRYING A WEAPON
Smith, one of Texas A&M’s top playmakers, was scheduled to be one of the Aggies to attend SEC Media Days this week in Atlanta. The team announced he has been suspended per athletics department policy.
OUTKICK 360
How Will Mark Stoops Use Last Year's Momentum?
Mark Stoops on how to use last year's success to fuel this year's fire.
Bill Hancock Talks Conference Realignment
Tony Barnhart On Where Is The Landscape Of CFB Headed?
Tony Barnhart: If Notre Dame stays an independent, the SEC is done.
Relocate The World’s Largest Cocktail Party?
Move Georgia-Florida match-up out of Jacksonville?
DON'T @ ME
Nick Saban isn't a fan of the retirement rumors, Dan Dakich Discusses on Don't @ Me.
Nick Saban scoffs in the face of retirement rumors.
Honestly, we could all stand to look and feel as good at 70 as Saban does.
The Dancing Beamers
Dan also showcased the Beamer family and their moves:
Click to the next page to see everything from Day two of SEC Media Days.
It was a day full of a number of interesting quotes, along with a few recommendations on what to watch with your streaming services.
Tuesday, July 19
SEC Media Days: What Stories Stood Out The Most From Day 2 In Atlanta
NICK SABAN
Alabama coach Nick Saban stuck his toe in the water of a hypothetical question to kick off the SEC Media Days on Tuesday amid a storm of conference realignment nationally and literal thunder outside the College Football Hall of Fame.
‘MEGA CONFERENCES MAY BE SOMETHING IN THE FUTURE,’ SABAN SAYS
"I do think if we do move toward the mega conferences, again that whole thing about competitive balance is going to be a question," Saban said when asked about the SEC possibly moving to 18 or 20 teams in the near future along with the Big Ten. The SEC plans to go from 14 to 16 in 2025 with the additions of Texas and Oklahoma.
Who knows what the future holds for NIL in College Athletics, but Saban continues to downplay the narrative that he doesn't like the concept.
NICK SABAN THROWS DOWN THE GAUNTLET ON NIL AND SAYS ALABAMA PLAYERS ARE THRIVING
He can say it a million times, but folks will still look at Saban as the guy who complained about the concept, while at the same time throwing Jimbo Fisher under the bus.
We all know that Nick Saban brings out the Alabama faithful in droves, even if it means fans having to travel to Atlanta.
FANS, AUTOGRAPH SEEKERS WERE READY FOR NICK SABAN
The only time you would see these types of outfits would be on game day in Tuscaloosa or SEC Media Days. Standing in a line waiting for Saban to make a 30-second appearance while walking through the atrium, a few fans were waiting to showoff their Alabama gear or custom made suits. You don't see this type of atmosphere at any other media day, at least not to this extreme.
Is Nick Saban even going to be around Alabama when College Football Expansion hits in 4-5 years?
The OutKick 360 crew discussed more with Trey Wallace:
What are Alabama DB Jordan Battle's championship expectations?
WILL ANDERSON JR.
Alabama superstar outside linebacker Will Anderson Jr. is making significant money for his family through Name, Image & Likeness.
WILL ANDERSON JR. TALKS NIL, LOSS TO GEORGIA IN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
He has even started his own NIL-related company called "A3 Athletes" to advise fellow college athletes on agents and future contracts.
SHANE BEAMER
South Carolina needed a QB and senior defensive lineman Zacch Pickens says the team found their guy in Spencer Rattler.
SOUTH CAROLINA FOOTBALL IS READY FOR THE SPENCER RATTLER ERA – JUST ASK ZACCH PICKENS
Shane Beamer showed off his swag before his SEC Media Day appearance ...
MIKE LEACH
Does Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach ever disappoint?
STRANGER THINGS: MIKE LEACH’S NETFLIX RECOMMENDATIONS AT SEC MEDIA DAYS
The head coach took the stage during SEC Media Days and decided to skip the opening statement, heading straight into questions, which included Netflix recommendations.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey had a wild introduction for Leach, as well.
SEC COMMISSIONER GREG SANKEY HAS JOKES DURING SEC MEDIA DAYS?
“ is the head football coach of a team in Finland, in the European Football League. When he was at Washington State, he taught a 5-week course on insurgent warfare and football strategy.”
Redshirt senior wide receiver Austin Williams told the OutKick 360 crew that with head coach Mike Leach, one minute you're talking football and before you know it you're talking war strategies.
CLARK LEA
Is Vanderbilt destined to be the 'Best Program In The Country?' Head coach Clark Lea says it is.
VANDERBILT DESTINED TO BE THE ‘BEST PROGRAM IN THE COUNTRY?’ WHAT IS CLARK LEA SMOKING?
"We know in time Vanderbilt football will be the best program in the country," Lea said.
The OutKick 360 crew talked to head coach Clark Lea: "We want sustained, incremental growth that over time will lead to a team that become a force in our conference."
The crew talked to Vandy junior QB Mike Wright, and he said "the team's momentum is really just us growing as a team and growing as a unit."
The crew talked to Vandy tight end Ben Bresnahan about Vandy's learning curve and Year 2 with Clark Lea:
OUTKICK 360
The talked to Aaron Murray, who said if Georgia QB Stetson Bennett can go back-to-back, he's going to get a statue in Athens.
Ryan Brown, host of The Next Round, told OutKick 360 that Alabama QB Bryce Young is leading with maturity and direction as he works to shape a new offense this fall.
Don't @ Me
Lane Kiffin is going to say whatever he wants to say. He was the one guy that came out yesterday without a care in the bucket.
LANE KIFFIN IS TAKING SHOTS AGAIN, THIS TIME AT THE BIG 10
Dan Dakich and Trey Wallace discussed on Don't @ Me:
Dan also discussed if Notre Dame will remain independent. They’re reportedly looking for around $75 million.
Click to the next page to see everything from Day One of SEC Media Days.
Monday, July 18
SEC Media Days: Day One Recap & What Stood Out From Atlanta
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey took the stage on Monday morning, kicking off SEC Media Days and giving his annual State of The Conference speech.
REALIGNMENT
Greg Sankey is comfortable with current landscape of SEC, but understands further alignment is ahead.
GREG SANKEY COMFORTABLE WITH CURRENT LANDSCAPE OF SEC BUT UNDERSTANDS FURTHER ALIGNMENT IS AHEAD
A takeaway from Sankey’s Day One of SEC Media Days? Sankey isn’t in a rush to expand the SEC. OutKick's Trey Wallace joined the OutKick 360 crew to discuss:
DEBRIEFING GREG SANKEY’S SEC EXPANSION COMMENTS WITH TREY WALLACE
LSU football coach Brian Kelly has rarely spoken about his former school, Notre Dame. If you're wondering, he said he thinks they'll be fine.
LSU FOOTBALL COACH BRIAN KELLY FINALLY SPEAKS ABOUT NOTRE DAME … AS FAR AS REALIGNMENT
Glenn Guilbeau talks Brian Kelly's Recruiting Strategy at LSU with OutKick 360: "The problem isn't that LSU won't commit to players; it's that recruits won't commit to LSU."
In a shocking development, Kelly already lost his southern accent:
BRIAN KELLY LOST HIS SOUTHERN ACCENT OVER THE SUMMER
NIL
What exactly is legal and illegal in college football these days is a question not many people seem to know the answer to, and that includes actual head coaches.
Lane Kiffin says NIL success requires’Really Good Boosters’ to keep up with payroll that resembles MLB.
LANE KIFFIN SAYS NIL SUCCESS REQUIRES ‘REALLY GOOD BOOSTERS’ TO KEEP UP WITH PAYROLL
The Ole Miss head coach also asked the question on how to handle the talent being paid and boosters.
Speaking of Kiffin, Ole Miss junior defensive end Cedric Johnson talked to the OutKick 360 crew during SEC Media Days on Monday.
OLE MISS DE CEDRIC JOHNSON TALKS BEST PART OF PLAYING FOR LANE KIFFIN
The best part of playing for head coach Lane Kiffin? Watch:
Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz did something different on the first day of the Media Days here Monday at the College Football Hall of Fame.
HOMER SIMPSON’S DAD MAKES APPEARANCE AT SEC MEDIA DAYS, COURTESY OF MISSOURI COACH
He started out waxing poetically about the game amid the impressive environs.
Jonathan Hutton also talked to Michael Bratton about which team is second best in the SEC East.
Spoiler: the Florida Gators take second in Bratton's lineup out of the SEC East this fall.
Hutton and PK also talked to The Next Round host Jim Dunaway, who says Mike Leach - a cultural misfit - could be circulating the SEC headlines come November.
SEC MEDIA DAYS: TALKING SEASON IS HERE IN ATLANTA
Heading into Monday, the two biggest storylines were expected to center around conference realignment and NIL. But as we head into the rest of the week, here are five storylines to look for during SEC Media Days: