The 2026 college football season is creeping up fast, and honestly, you can just feel the buzz. Fans, coaches, and teams are all itching for that first snap, but before anyone hits the field, there’s the classic *talking season*—media days.
Media days are where coaches, players, and the press all gather to toss around predictions, stories, and maybe a little bit of bravado. Each conference puts its own spin on things, and this year’s schedule is absolutely packed.
So, what’s on deck for the 2026 college football media days? Let’s take a look at each conference and what might be worth keeping an eye on.
Big 12 Media Days: A Strong Start
The Big 12 got things rolling first with a two-day event on Tuesday, July 7, and Wednesday, July 8, at The Star—home base for the Dallas Cowboys. They went big with the 2026 Monster Energy Big 12 Football Media Days, and ESPN had it live on their networks.
Here’s how the teams lined up:
- Tuesday, July 7: Arizona State, Baylor, BYU, Colorado, Houston, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, UCF
- Wednesday, July 8: Arizona, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, TCU, Utah, West Virginia
Key Highlights from Big 12 Media Days
Coaches and players took the mic, sharing how they’re prepping for the season and what they think might give them an edge. Fans could tune in live and get a peek behind the curtain—never a bad way to kick off the hype.
ACC Media Days: A Three-Day Showcase
The ACC is up next with its ACC Football Kickoff, running Wednesday, July 15, through Friday, July 17, at the Hilton Charlotte Uptown in Charlotte, N.C. The ACC Network is covering it live each day from 9:00am to 4:00pm ET.
The team schedule shakes out like this:
- Wednesday, July 15: Florida State, Miami, NC State, Stanford, Virginia
- Thursday, July 16: Boston College, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Syracuse, Virginia Tech
- Friday, July 17: California, Duke, North Carolina, Pitt, SMU, Wake Forest
What to Expect from ACC Media Days
Expect plenty of talk about team chemistry, breakout players, and who’s got a shot at the title. With heavyweights like Clemson and Florida State in the mix, there’s always a little extra fire in the room.
SEC Media Days: A Four-Day Extravaganza
The SEC always goes big, and this year they’re holding their media days from Monday, July 20, through Thursday, July 23, at the Tampa Marriott Water Street and JW Marriott in Tampa, Fla. The SEC Network is running wall-to-wall coverage from 7am to 7pm ET.
Here’s the lineup:
- Monday, July 14: Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee
- Tuesday, July 15: Auburn, Georgia, South Carolina, Vanderbilt
- Wednesday, July 16: Alabama, Florida, Ole Miss, Texas A&M
- Thursday, July 17: Arkansas, LSU, Mississippi State, Texas
Insights from SEC Media Days
The SEC never disappoints—between Alabama, Georgia, and LSU, there’s always drama. Fans can count on plenty of strong opinions, bold predictions, and maybe even a little friendly trash talk.
Other Notable Conferences
Of course, it’s not just the big three. Several other conferences have their own media days with their own flavor. Here’s what’s coming up:
American Conference
The American Conference hosts its American Football Kickoff on Thursday, July 23, and Friday, July 24, at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St. Petersburg, Fla. ESPN+ is streaming the main feed live on Friday, July 25, from 8:00am to 2:00pm ET, with a podium feed running from 8:10am to 1:40pm ET.
Conference USA
Conference USA is holding its CUSA Football Kickoff on Monday, July 20, and Tuesday, July 21, at Texas Live! Arena and the Loews Arlington Hotel & Convention Center in Arlington, Texas. ESPN+ will have a live show with Mike Corey hosting from 11:00am to 3:00pm ET on Monday.
MAC
The Mid-American Conference (MAC) is sticking with tradition—its Football Kickoff is set for Wednesday, July 22, at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich., from 9:00am ET to 1:30pm ET. Commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher will open things up, and ESPN+ is covering from 11:00am to 3:00pm ET.
Mountain West
The Mountain West has its Old Trapper Mountain West Football Media Days on Wednesday, July 15, and Thursday, July 16, at The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. Student-athletes get the spotlight on Wednesday, with coaches following on Thursday. MW+—the league’s new streaming service—will handle coverage.
FCS Conferences: Coverage Across ESPN Networks
FCS fans, you’re not left out. Several conferences are holding their media days with ESPN+ providing coverage. Here’s the rundown:
- Friday, July 17: OVC Football Media Day, 9:00am-12:30pm ET | ESPN+
- Tuesday, July 21: 2026 Southland Football Opening Drive, 10:00am-4:00pm ET | ESPN+
- Tuesday, July 21: MEAC Football Media Day, 12:00pm-1:30pm ET | ESPN+
- Tuesday, July 21: UAC Football Kickoff, 12:00pm-2:30pm ET | ESPN+
- Saturday, July 25: Big Sky Football Summer Kickoff, 11:00am-3:15pm ET | ESPN+
- Wednesday, July 29: 2026 Patriot League Preseason Football Show, 7:00pm-9:00pm ET | ESPN+
The 2026 college football media days are shaping up to be a real treat for fans. They give everyone a sneak peek at what’s coming up in the season.
There’s something for everyone, from the Big 12 and the SEC to all those FCS conferences you might not hear about as much. Each event promises plenty of info, some surprises, and probably a few memorable moments.
If you want the full schedule or just want to dig into the details, check out the official media days schedule.
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