Nothing signals college football's imminent return better than SEC Media Days. Day three of SEC Media Days is underway from Atlanta with Kalen DeBoer taking the stage to kick things off.
Alabama
Kalen DeBoer had big shoes to fill when he took on the role of head coach at Alabama, a position many consider to be following in the footsteps of the greatest of all time in college football, Nick Saban. When asked if he believed his first season lived up to Alabama's standards, he replied, "If you ask us internally, the answer is no. We fell short of making the playoffs. It's as simple as that."
DeBeor and Alabama spotlighted three players: Kadyn Proctor (offensive tackle), Tim Keenan (defensive lineman), and Deontae Lawson (linebacker, team captain). He praised their leadership, academic drive, and off-field impact.
“Offensively, brought Kadyn Proctor.” You look at the guy and he's massive. Man, just does everything on a high level when it comes to his training. The thing I'm going to tell you about this guy that'simpressive, by the end of this season, in December, he will have his degree. If you do the math on that, three years getting your degree. Even has a semester in there where he transferred. That gets harder to do when you do that. He'll have not just his degree, but right now he has a 3.7 GPA. Taking 16 credits this summer so he can be on track to be able to accomplish and walk across that stage, have his degree.”
“Tim Keenan. Fifth-year defensive lineman. I think the thing with Tim, he's a home-grown boy from Alabama. I think when I look at Tim, the team just looks at him as that big brother. He's a mentor to not just the young guys, but even the old guys. They know they can count on him to be doing the work.”
“Deontae Lawson, fifth-year linebacker. Captain. Really our only returning captain from last year's team. That should say enough about how our team views him. His journey. Again, everyone has something a little bit different. Probably thought a year ago at this time he'd be wearing an NFL jersey. Circumstances as they may be, just coming back from an injury, seeing him attack it, seeing him and his mindset, him understanding the circumstances he can't control and what he can. Man, it's just amazing seeing him take over not just the defense, but be a leader on our football team.”
Alabama will start the 2025 season on the road at Florida State, with DeBoer emphasizing a need to improve road performance and consistency, especially after an undefeated home record last year but struggles on the road.
The team returns most of its defensive starters and looks to build on last year’s high turnover rate. Replacing three specialists (punter, kicker, long snapper) and early NFL departures are noted challenges.
If the season began today, Ty Simpson would be the starter, but Austin Mack and Keelon Russell remain in close competition. DeBoer noted that all three quarterbacks have significant potential, though experience will be a key hurdle.
Mississippi State
WATCH: 2025 SEC Media Days LIVE with Fubo (FREE trial)
Where to watch SEC Media Days 2025: TV channel, live stream
- TV channel: SEC Network
- Live stream: Fubo
Coverage of the SEC Media Days will air live on SEC Network.
Laura Rutledge (host), Jordan Rodgers (analyst), Greg McElroy (analyst), Paul Finebaum (analyst), Roman Harper (analyst), and Benjamin Watson (analyst) are among the network's personalities providing live, on-site coverage from Atlanta throughout the week. In total, more than a dozen on-air personalities will provide analysis from SEC Media Days.
Viewers looking to stream the SEC Media Days can do so with Fubo.
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Wednesday, July 16
| Time (ET) | Speakers |
|---|---|
| 9:05 a.m. | HC Kalen DeBoer, DL Tim Keenan III, LB Deontae Lawson, OL Kadyn Proctor |
| 10:50 a.m. | HC Jeff Lebby, QB Blake Shapen, S Isaac Smith, WR Brenen Thompson |
| 1 p.m. | HC Billy Napier, DL Caleb Banks, OL Jake Slaughter, QB DJ Lagway |
| 2:45 p.m. | HC Brent Venables, QB John Mateer, DB Robert Spears-Jennings, DL R Mason Thomas |
Thursday, July 17
| Time (ET) | Speakers |
|---|---|
| 9:05 a.m. | HC Eli Drinkwitz, S Daylan Carnell, C Connor Tollison, DE Zion Young |
| 10:50 a.m. | HC Mark Stoops, LB Alex Afari Jr., DB Jordan Lovett, TE Josh Kattus |
| 1 p.m. | HC Sam Pittman, DL Cam Ball, QB Taylen Green, LB Xavian Sorey Jr. |
| 2:45 p.m. | HC Mike Elko, DB Will Lee III, OL Ar'maj Reed-Adams, LB Taurean York |