SEC Media Days attendance list released
SEC Media Days are a celebration of optimism, stars, and signal-callers. But in 2025, Kentucky will head to Atlanta without a quarterback in tow. Again.
Of the 16 teams, just five programs chose not to bring a quarterback: Alabama, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas A&M. For some, it’s strategic. For others? It's telling.
Kentucky will send senior leaders Alex Afari Jr. (LB), Jordan Lovett (DB), and Josh Kattus (TE). Coach Mark Stoops returns to the podium where he’s had memorable moments—none more infamous than his 2022 barb at Shane Beamer. You remember the one: “It takes more than stupid sunglasses to change the culture.” At the time, Kentucky had won 7 of 8 against South Carolina. Since that dig? The Cats haven’t beaten the Gamecocks once.
Mark Stoops: ‘It’s easy to change a climate. You can change a uniform, talk a little game, dance around, put on some stupid sunglasses.'
— Trey Walpole (@Walpole_III) October 9, 2022
Shane Beamer Leaving Lexington: pic.twitter.com/0VglsgvPpV
That’s the danger of Media Days. One stray quote can come back to haunt you.
The SEC’s QB hierarchy is on full display this year. Schools like LSU (Garrett Nussmeier), South Carolina (LaNorris Sellers), Texas (Arch Manning), Florida (DJ Lagway), and even Vanderbilt (Diego Pavia) are sending their guys to represent the brand. Kentucky? Keeping Calzada home.
Whether that’s to shield him from scrutiny or because he hasn't locked up the job remains to be seen. Though it is hard to imagine him transferring in without at least a head start in the QB race, and the fact that he stayed after Spring Practice should say he will be the starter. Either way, it speaks volumes. When your quarterback’s not among your three most marketable players, that’s a red flag.
Stoops will surely downplay the absence, but in a league where QB is king, and optics matter, this is another signal that Kentucky is facing serious questions behind center yet again.
At SEC Media Days, you send stars. Kentucky isn’t sending theirs—or maybe they just don’t know who he is yet.
For the full list of every player who will be in Atlanta, click here.