A New Era for the Wildcats
The 2026 SEC Football Kickoff Media Days will take place in Tampa, Florida, from July 20 through July 23, marking the first time the preseason event is held in the city. The gathering will be hosted at the Tampa Marriott Water Street and the JW Marriott, providing a vibrant backdrop for the conference’s annual media showcase.
Kentucky will be represented on the main stage by head coach Will Stein, who is making his SEC Media Days debut as he prepares for his inaugural season leading the Wildcats. Stein’s presence underscores the program’s ambition to compete aggressively in the newly expanded conference landscape.
SEC Network will deliver comprehensive live coverage throughout the week, beginning with "SEC Nation Presented by Kinder’s" at 6 a.m. ET on Monday. Additional appearances are slated for Stein at 1:30 p.m. ET on the main stage and a 3:30 p.m. ET slot on the SEC Network set, giving fans multiple opportunities to hear directly from the coach.
The event will also feature participation from other SEC members, including Missouri, Oklahoma, and Tennessee, who will join Kentucky on the opening day. This collective presence highlights the conference’s unified effort to generate excitement ahead of the upcoming season.
Beyond the on‑stage appearances, the media days will serve as a platform for storylines that matter to Wildcats fans, from roster developments to strategic initiatives. Analyst Paul Finebaum is expected to weigh in, adding his perspective on the team’s prospects and the broader impact of Stein’s leadership.