As the calendar flips to July, the traditional hub of college football chatter shifts from the locker room to the media stage. The power‑five conferences — Big 12, ACC, SEC and Big Ten — host their annual media days, marking the unofficial end of the sports slow season that stretches through May and June.
Big 12 Media Days
The Big 12 will gather its coaches and players in Frisco, Texas, on July 7‑8. The sessions will be streamed live on ESPNU and through the conference’s own Big 12 Studios platform, giving fans a front‑row seat to the early buzz.
Among the storylines, Deion Sanders and his Colorado Buffaloes draw particular attention, while Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker and Texas Tech defensive lineman A.J. Holmes Jr. are highlighted as top NFL draft prospects.
ACC Kickoff
A week later, the ACC holds its Kickoff event in Charlotte, North Carolina, from July 15‑17, broadcast on the ACC Network.
The league’s most talked‑about prospect, Darian Mensah, who transferred from Duke, is positioned as the ACC’s leading NFL draft candidate. Joining him are NC State quarterback CJ Bailey, Clemson defensive lineman Will Heldt, Louisville edge rusher Clev Lubin and SMU offensive lineman PJ Williams, each expected to field questions about their upcoming draft trajectories.
SEC Kickoff
The SEC’s media gathering moves to Tampa, Florida, for July 20‑23. While the schedule promises a deep dive into the conference’s storylines, the league has yet to announce which players will appear or the exact broadcast partners.
Big Ten Media Days
Finally, the Big Ten convenes in Chicago, Illinois, on July 28‑30. The Windy City venue has previously produced memorable moments, such as a 2014 appearance by Nebraska coach Bo Pelini that was punctuated by a light‑hearted query about his cat.
Together, these media days not only set the narrative for the upcoming season but also serve as the primary venue where coaches, players and analysts begin to shape expectations for the NFL draft, making July a pivotal month for the sport’s ecosystem.