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SEC Nation
GenreSports
StarringLaura Rutledge
Tim Tebow
Jordan Rodgers
Roman Harper
Paul Finebaum
Marty Smith
Ryan McGee
Opening themeSouth on ya by Luke Combs
Country of originUnited States
Production
Production locationsSee locations below
  (2014–present)
Running time120 minutes
Original release
NetworkSEC Network
Release2014 (2014) –
present

SEC Nation is a pre-game show broadcast by SEC Network as part of its coverage of college football.

Modeled after ESPN's College GameDay, it broadcasts on Saturday mornings during the regular season from the campus of a Southeastern Conference (SEC) school, and features news and analysis of the day's upcoming games in the SEC.

History

[edit]

The series premiered in 2014 as part of SEC Network's launch slate of studio programming; for its inaugural season, the program would be hosted by ESPN college football commentator Joe Tessitore, joined by NFL players SEC alumni Tim Tebow and Marcus Spears, radio host Paul Finebaum, and reporter Kaylee Hartung.[1][2]

Its format was modelled after ESPN's long-running College GameDay, albeit with changes to account for the "pageantry" and "flavor" of SEC football, such as an "intimate" stage constructed near a location on the hosting campus where fans are naturally gathering (aiming to be "among" the crowd, rather than ), and a tour bus that would be used for feature segments highlighting the local culture. For the inaugural season, SEC Nation visited all 14 SEC schools.[1]

Personalities

[edit]
SEC Nation filming at Centennial Olympic Park, 2018

Current

[edit]

Former

[edit]

Locations

[edit]

2014 season

[edit]
Date Visitor Host City Location Notes
August 28, 2014 No. 21 Texas A&M 52 No. 9 South Carolina 28 Columbia, SC Gamecock Park Thursday night
August 30, 2014 Arkansas 21 No. 6 Auburn 45 Auburn, AL Campus Green
September 6, 2014 No. 15 Ole Miss 41 Vanderbilt 3 Nashville, TN Outside LP Field Ole Miss–Vanderbilt football rivalry
September 13, 2014 Kentucky 30 Florida 363OT Gainesville, FL Plaza of the Americas Florida–Kentucky football rivalry
September 20, 2014 Florida 21 No. 3 Alabama 42 Tuscaloosa, AL Outside Moore Hall Alabama–Florida football rivalry
September 27, 2014 Tennessee 32 No. 12 Georgia 35 Athens, GA Myers Quad Georgia–Tennessee football rivalry
October 4, 2014 No. 6 Texas A&M 31 No. 12 Mississippi State 48 Starkville, MS The Junction
October 11, 2014 No. 7 Alabama 14 Arkansas 13 Fayetteville, AR Victory Village
October 18, 2014 Tennessee 3 No. 3 Ole Miss 34 Oxford, MS The Grove Ole Miss–Tennessee football rivalry
October 25, 2014 No. 1 Mississippi State 45 Kentucky 31 Lexington, KY Purple Lot
November 1, 2014 Kentucky 10 Missouri 20 Columbia, MO Francis Quadrangle
November 8, 2014 No. 6 Alabama 20OT No. 19 LSU 13 Baton Rouge, LA Lot 106 Alabama–LSU football rivalry
November 15, 2014 Missouri 34 No. 24 Texas A&M 27 College Station, TX Spence Park
November 22, 2014 No. 19 Missouri 29 Tennessee 21 Knoxville, TN Ayres Hall
November 29, 2014 No. 4 Mississippi State 17 No. 19 Ole Miss 31 Oxford, MS The Grove Egg Bowl
December 6, 2014 No. 1 Alabama 42 No. 14 Missouri 13 Atlanta, GA Georgia World Congress Center SEC Championship Game
January 1, 2015 No. 4 Ohio State 42 No. 1 Alabama 35 New Orleans, LA Outside Mercedes-Benz Superdome Sugar Bowl (CFP Semi-final)

2015 season

[edit]
Date Visitor Host City Location Notes
September 5, 2015 UTEP 13 No. 18 Arkansas 48 Fayetteville, AR Victory Village First non-conference game to be featured on SEC Nation.
September 12, 2015 No. 10 Georgia 31 Vanderbilt 14 Nashville, TN Ingram Commons Georgia–Vanderbilt football rivalry
September 19, 2015 No. 18 Auburn 21 No. 13 LSU 45 Baton Rouge, LA Walk-On's Auburn–LSU football rivalry
September 26, 2015 Tennessee 27 Florida 28 Gainesville, FL Plaza of the Americas Florida–Tennessee football rivalry
October 3, 2015 No. 13 Alabama 38 No. 8 Georgia 10 Athens, GA Myers Quad Alabama–Georgia football rivalry
October 10, 2015 No. 19 Georgia 31 Tennessee 38 Knoxville, TN Ayres Hall Georgia–Tennessee football rivalry
October 17, 2015 No. 10 Alabama 41 No. 9 Texas A&M 23 College Station, TX Spence Park
October 24, 2015 Tennessee 14 No. 8 Alabama 19 Tuscaloosa, AL Outside Moore Hall Third Saturday in October
October 31, 2015 Tennessee 52 Kentucky 21 Lexington, KY Purple Lot Kentucky–Tennessee football rivalry
November 5, 2015 No. 24 Mississippi State 31 Missouri 13 Columbia, MO Inside Memorial Stadium Thursday night
November 7, 2015 Arkansas 53OT No. 19 Ole Miss 52 Oxford, MS The Grove Arkansas–Ole Miss football rivalry
November 14, 2015 No. 3 Alabama 31 No. 20 Mississippi State 6 Starkville, MS The Junction Alabama–Mississippi State football rivalry
November 21, 2015 The Citadel 23 South Carolina 22 Columbia, SC Gamecock Park
November 28, 2015 No. 2 Alabama 29 Auburn 13 Auburn, AL Campus Green Iron Bowl
December 5, 2015 No. 18 Florida 15 No. 2 Alabama 29 Atlanta, GA Georgia World Congress Center SEC Championship Game (rivalry)
December 31, 2015 No. 3 Michigan State 0 No. 2 Alabama 38 Arlington, TX Outside AT&T Stadium Cotton Bowl Classic (CFP Semi-final)
January 11, 2016 No. 2 Alabama 45 No. 1 Clemson 40 Glendale, AZ Inside University of Phoenix Stadium CFP National Championship Game (rivalry)

2016 season

[edit]
Date Visitor Host City Location Notes
September 1, 2016 Appalachian State 13 No. 9 Tennessee 20OT Knoxville, TN Ayres Hall Thursday night
September 3, 2016 No. 16 UCLA 24 Texas A&M 31OT College Station, TX Spence Park
September 10, 2016 South Carolina 14 Mississippi State 27 Starkville, MS The Junction
September 17, 2016 No. 1 Alabama 48 No. 19 Ole Miss 43 Oxford, MS The Grove Alabama–Ole Miss football rivalry
September 24, 2016 No. 18 LSU 13 Auburn 18 Auburn, AL Wellness Kitchen Green Space Auburn–LSU football rivalry
October 1, 2016 No. 11 Tennessee 34 No. 25 Georgia 31 Athens, GA Myers Quad Georgia–Tennessee football rivalry
October 8, 2016 – – - - Charlotte, NC SEC Network Studios Originally scheduled to be LSU at No. 18 Florida, but the game was postponed due to Hurricane Matthew.
October 15, 2016 No. 1 Alabama 49 No. 9 Tennessee 10 Knoxville, TN Ayres Hall Third Saturday in October
October 22, 2016 Mississippi State 38 Kentucky 40 Lexington, KY Purple Lot
October 29, 2016 No. 12 Florida 24 Georgia 10 Jacksonville, FL Outside EverBank Field Florida–Georgia football rivalry
November 5, 2016 No. 10 Florida 10 Arkansas 31 Fayetteville, AR Old Main
November 12, 2016 South Carolina 7 No. 22 Florida 20 Gainesville, FL Plaza of the Americas
November 19, 2016 No. 21 Florida 16 No. 16 LSU 10 Baton Rouge, LA Walk-On's/Inside Tiger Stadium Florida–LSU football rivalry
November 26, 2016 No. 16 Auburn 12 No. 1 Alabama 30 Tuscaloosa, AL Outside Moore Hall Iron Bowl
December 3, 2016 No. 1 Alabama 54 No. 15 Florida 16 Atlanta, GA Georgia World Congress Center SEC Championship Game (rivalry)
December 31, 2016 No. 4 Washington 7 No. 1 Alabama 24 Atlanta, GA Inside the Georgia Dome Peach Bowl (CFP Semi-final)
January 9, 2017 No. 2 Clemson 35 No. 1 Alabama 31 Tampa, FL Inside Raymond James Stadium CFP National Championship Game (rivalry)

2017 season

[edit]
Date Visitor Host City Location Notes
September 2, 2017 No. 11 Michigan 33 No. 17 Florida 17 Arlington, TX Outside AT&T Stadium Advocare Classic
September 9, 2017 South Carolina 31 Missouri 13 Columbia, MO Francis Quadrangle Mayor's Cup
September 16, 2017 No. 12 LSU 7 Mississippi State 37 Starkville, MS The Junction LSU–Mississippi State football rivalry
September 23, 2017 No. 1 Alabama 59 Vanderbilt 0 Nashville, TN Ingram Commons
September 30, 2017 No. 7 Georgia 41 Tennessee 0 Knoxville, TN Ayres Hall Georgia–Tennessee football rivalry
October 7, 2017 LSU 17 No. 21 Florida 16 Gainesville, FL Plaza of the Americas Florida–LSU football rivalry
October 14, 2017 Missouri 28 No. 4 Georgia 53 Athens, GA Special Collections Library
October 21, 2017 Tennessee 7 No. 1 Alabama 45 Tuscaloosa, AL Outside Moore Hall Third Saturday in October
October 28, 2017 No. 3 Georgia 42 Florida 7 Jacksonville, FL Outside EverBank Field Florida–Georgia football rivalry
November 4, 2017 No. 19 LSU 10 No. 1 Alabama 24 Tuscaloosa, AL Outside Moore Hall Alabama–LSU football rivalry
November 11, 2017 No. 2 Georgia 17 No. 10 Auburn 40 Auburn, AL Wellness Kitchen Green Space Deep South's Oldest Rivalry
November 18, 2017 Kentucky 13 No. 7 Georgia 42 Athens, GA Myers Quad
November 25, 2017 No. 4 Clemson 34 South Carolina 10 Columbia, SC Gamecock Park Palmetto Bowl
December 2, 2017 No. 6 Georgia 28 No. 4 Auburn 7 Atlanta, GA Georgia World Congress Center SEC Championship Game (rivalry)
January 1, 2018 No. 4 Alabama 24 No. 1 Clemson 6 New Orleans, LA Outside Mercedes-Benz Superdome Sugar Bowl (CFP Semi-final) (rivalry)
January 8, 2018 No. 4 Alabama 26OT No. 3 Georgia 23 Atlanta, GA Georgia World Congress Center CFP National Championship Game (rivalry)

2018 season

[edit]
Date Visitor Host City Location Notes
August 30, 2018 Northwestern State 7 Texas A&M 59 College Station, TX Kyle Field
September 1, 2018 No. 17 West Virginia 40 Tennessee 14 Charlotte, NC Bank of America Stadium Belk Kickoff Game
September 8, 2018 No. 3 Georgia 41 No. 24 South Carolina 17 Columbia, SC Gamecock Park Georgia–South Carolina football rivalry
September 15, 2018 No. 1 Alabama 62 Ole Miss 7 Oxford, MS The Grove Alabama–Ole Miss football rivalry
September 22, 2018 No. 22 Texas A&M 23 No. 1 Alabama 45 Tuscaloosa, AL Outside Moore Hall
September 29, 2018 Florida 13 No. 23 Mississippi State 6 Starkville, MS The Junction
October 6, 2018 No. 5 LSU 19 No. 22 Florida 27 Gainesville, FL Plaza of the Americas Florida–LSU football rivalry
October 13, 2018 Tennessee 30 No. 21 Auburn 24 Auburn, AL Wellness Kitchen Green Space Auburn–Tennessee football rivalry
October 20, 2018 No. 1 Alabama 58 Tennessee 21 Knoxville, TN Ayres Hall Third Saturday in October
October 27, 2018 No. 9 Florida 17 No. 7 Georgia 36 Jacksonville, FL Outside TIAA Bank Field Florida–Georgia football rivalry
November 3, 2018 No. 6 Georgia 34 No. 9 Kentucky 17 Lexington, KY Outside William T. Young Library
November 10, 2018 No. 7 LSU 24 Arkansas 17 Fayetteville, AR Outside Bud Walton Arena Arkansas–LSU football rivalry
November 17, 2018 UMass 27 No. 5 Georgia 66 Athens, GA Outside Richard B. Russell Building
November 24, 2018 Auburn 21 No. 1 Alabama 52 Tuscaloosa, AL Outside Moore Hall Iron Bowl
December 1, 2018 No. 1 Alabama 35 No. 4 Georgia 28 Atlanta, GA Georgia World Congress Center SEC Championship Game
December 29, 2018 No. 4 Oklahoma 34 No. 1 Alabama 45 Miami, FL Hard Rock Stadium Capital One Orange Bowl (CFP Semi-final)
January 1, 2019 No. 15 Kentucky 27 No. 13 Penn State 24 Orlando, FL Camping World Stadium Vrbo Citrus Bowl
January 7, 2019 No. 2 Clemson 44 No. 1 Alabama 16 Santa Clara, CA Levi's Stadium CFP National Championship Game (rivalry)

2019 season

[edit]
Date Visitor Host City Location Notes
August 24, 2019 Miami (FL) 20 No. 8 Florida 24 Orlando, FL Camping World Stadium Camping World Kickoff (rivalry)
August 31, 2019 No. 3 Georgia 30 Vanderbilt 6 Nashville, TN Commons Lawn Georgia–Vanderbilt football rivalry
September 7, 2019 West Virginia 7 Missouri 38 Columbia, MO West Lawn of the Hearnes Center
September 14, 2019 No. 9 Florida 29 Kentucky 21 Lexington, KY William T. Young Library Florida–Kentucky football rivalry
September 21, 2019 No. 8 Auburn 28 No. 17 Texas A&M 20 College Station, TX Spence Park
September 28, 2019 Mississippi State 23 No. 7 Auburn 56 Auburn, AL Wellness Kitchen Green Space Auburn–Mississippi State football rivalry
October 5, 2019 No. 3 Georgia 43 Tennessee 14 Knoxville, TN Ayres Hall Georgia–Tennessee football rivalry
October 12, 2019 South Carolina 20 No. 3 Georgia 17 Athens, GA Myers Quad Georgia–South Carolina football rivalry
October 19, 2019 No. 2 LSU 36 Mississippi State 13 Starkville, MS The Junction LSU–Mississippi State football rivalry
October 26, 2019 No. 9 Auburn 20 No. 2 LSU 23 Baton Rouge, LA Nicholson Gateway Park Auburn–LSU football rivalry
November 2, 2019 No. 8 Georgia 24 No. 6 Florida 17 Jacksonville, FL Outside TIAA Bank Field Florida–Georgia football rivalry
November 9, 2019 No. 2 LSU 46 No. 3 Alabama 41 Tuscaloosa, AL Outside Moore Hall Alabama–LSU football rivalry/Game of the Century[3]
November 16, 2019 No. 1 LSU 58 Ole Miss 37 Oxford, MS The Grove Magnolia Bowl
November 23, 2019 Texas A&M 13 No. 4 Georgia 19 Athens, GA Myers Quad
November 30, 2019 No. 5 Alabama 45 No. 15 Auburn 48 Auburn, AL Wellness Kitchen Green Space Iron Bowl
December 7, 2019 No. 4 Georgia 10 No. 2 LSU 37 Atlanta, GA Georgia World Congress Center SEC Championship Game
December 28, 2019 No. 4 Oklahoma 28 No. 1 LSU 63 Atlanta, GA Georgia World Congress Center Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (CFP Semi-final)
January 1, 2020 No. 14 Michigan 16 No. 13 Alabama 35 Orlando, FL Camping World Stadium Vrbo Citrus Bowl
January 13, 2020 No. 3 Clemson 25 No. 1 LSU 42 New Orleans, LA Mercedes-Benz Superdome CFP National Championship Game

2021 season

[edit]
Date Visitor Host City Location Notes
September 4, 2021 No. 1 Alabama 44 No. 14 Miami (FL) 13 Atlanta, GA College Football Hall of Fame Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game
September 11, 2021 No. 15 Texas 21 Arkansas 40 Fayetteville, AR Lot 44 Outside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium Arkansas–Texas football rivalry
September 18, 2021 No. 1 Alabama 31 No. 11 Florida 29 Gainesville, FL Plaza of the Americas Alabama–Florida football rivalry
September 25, 2021 Kentucky 16 South Carolina 10 Columbia, SC The Horseshoe
October 2, 2021 No. 12 Ole Miss 21 No. 1 Alabama 42 Tuscaloosa, AL Outside Wade Hall Alabama–Ole Miss football rivalry
October 9, 2021 LSU 21 No. 16 Kentucky 42 Lexington, KY William T. Young Library
October 16, 2021 No. 11 Kentucky 13 No. 1 Georgia 30 Athens, GA Outside Richard B. Russell Building
October 23, 2021 LSU 17 No. 12 Ole Miss 31 Oxford, MS The Grove Magnolia Bowl
October 30, 2021 No. 1 Georgia 34 Florida 7 Jacksonville, FL Outside TIAA Bank Field Florida–Georgia football rivalry
November 6, 2021 No. 13 Auburn 3 No. 14 Texas A&M 20 College Station, TX Across from 12th Man Statue
November 13, 2021 No. 1 Georgia 41 Tennessee 17 Knoxville, TN Ayres Hall Georgia–Tennessee football rivalry
November 20, 2021 No. 21 Arkansas 35 No. 2 Alabama 42 Tuscaloosa, AL Outside Wade Hall
November 27, 2021 No. 3 Alabama 24 Auburn 22 Auburn, AL Wellness Kitchen Green Space Iron Bowl
December 4, 2021 No. 1 Georgia 24 No. 3 Alabama 41 Atlanta, GA Georgia World Congress Center SEC Championship Game (rivalry)
December 31, 2021 No. 4 Cincinnati 6 No. 1 Alabama 27 Arlington, TX AT&T Stadium Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic (CFP Semi-final)
January 10, 2022 No. 3 Georgia 33 No. 1 Alabama 18 Indianapolis, IN Lucas Oil Stadium CFP National Championship Game (rivalry)

2022 season

[edit]
Date Visitor Host City Location Notes
September 3, 2022 No. 23 Cincinnati 24 No. 19 Arkansas 31 Fayetteville, AR Old Main Lawn
September 10, 2022 No. 23 Wake Forest 45 Vanderbilt 25 Nashville, TN Commons Lawn
September 17, 2022 No. 22 Penn State 41 Auburn 12 Auburn, AL Wellness Kitchen Green Space
September 24, 2022 No. 10 Arkansas 21 No. 23 Texas A&M 23 Arlington, TX AT&T Stadium Arkansas–Texas A&M football rivalry
October 1, 2022 No. 7 Kentucky 19 No. 14 Ole Miss 22 Oxford, MS The Grove
October 8, 2022 Arkansas 17 No. 23 Mississippi State 40 Starkville, MS The Junction
October 15, 2022 No. 3 Alabama 49 No. 6 Tennessee 52 Knoxville, TN Thompson–Boling Arena East Ramp Third Saturday in October
October 22, 2022 No. 7 Ole Miss 20 LSU 45 Baton Rouge, LA The Quad Magnolia Bowl
October 29, 2022 Florida 20 No. 1 Georgia 42 Jacksonville, FL Outside TIAA Bank Field Florida–Georgia football rivalry
November 5, 2022 No. 1 Tennessee 13 No. 3 Georgia 27 Athens, GA Outside the Special Collections Library Georgia–Tennessee football rivalry / Game of the Century
November 12, 2022 No. 9 Alabama 30 No. 11 Ole Miss 24 Oxford, MS The Grove Alabama–Ole Miss football rivalry
November 19, 2022 No. 5 Tennessee 38 South Carolina 63 Columbia, SC The Horseshoe South Carolina–Tennessee football rivalry
November 26, 2022 Auburn 27 No. 8 Alabama 49 Tuscaloosa, AL Outside Wade Hall Iron Bowl
December 3, 2022 No. 14 LSU 30 No. 1 Georgia 50 Atlanta, GA Georgia World Congress Center SEC Championship Game
December 31, 2022 No. 1 Georgia 42 No. 4 Ohio State 41 Atlanta, GA Mercedes Benz Stadium Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
January 9, 2023 No. 3 TCU 7 No. 1 Georgia 65 Inglewood, CA SoFi Stadium CFP National Championship Game

2023 season

[edit]
Date Visitor Host City Location Notes
July 18, 2023 Vanderbilt Nashville, TN Lower Broadway SEC Media Days
August 31, 2023 South Dakota 10 Missouri 35 Columbia, MO Northwest corner of Memorial Stadium
September 2, 2023 Virginia 13 No. 12 Tennessee 49 Nashville, TN Nissan Stadium
September 9, 2023 No. 11 Texas 34 No. 3 Alabama 24 Tuscaloosa, AL Outside Wade Hall Allstate Crossbar Classic
September 16, 2023 No. 14 LSU 41 Mississippi State 14 Starkville, MS The Junction LSU–Mississippi State football rivalry
September 23, 2023 Auburn 10 Texas A&M 27 College Station, TX Aggie Park
September 30, 2023 No. 22 Florida 14 Kentucky 33 Lexington, KY William T. Young Library Florida–Kentucky football rivalry
October 7, 2023 No. 20 Kentucky 13 No. 1 Georgia 51 Athens, GA Myers Quad
October 14, 2023 Texas A&M 13 No. 19 Tennessee 20 Knoxville, TN Ayres Hall
October 21, 2023 No. 17 Tennessee 20 No. 11 Alabama 34 Tuscaloosa, AL Outside Wade Hall Third Saturday in October
October 28, 2023 No. 1 Georgia 43 Florida 20 Jacksonville, FL Outside EverBank Stadium Florida–Georgia football rivalry
November 4, 2023 Texas A&M 35 No. 10 Ole Miss 38 Oxford, MS The Grove
November 11, 2023 No. 8 Alabama 49 Kentucky 21 Lexington, KY William T. Young Library
November 18, 2023 No. 1 Georgia 38 No. 18 Tennessee 10 Knoxville, TN Ayres Hall Georgia–Tennessee football rivalry
November 25, 2023 No. 8 Alabama 27 Auburn 24 Auburn, AL Wellness Kitchen Green Space Iron Bowl
December 2, 2023 No. 1 Georgia 24 No. 8 Alabama 27 Atlanta, GA Georgia World Congress Center SEC Championship (rivalry)
January 1, 2024 No. 4 Alabama 20 No. 1 Michigan 27OT Pasadena, CA Rose Bowl Rose Bowl

2024 season

[edit]
Date Visitor Host City Location Notes
August 31, 2024 No. 19 Miami (FL) 41 Florida 17 Gainesville, FL Plaza of the Americas Rivalry
September 7, 2024 South Carolina 31 Kentucky 6 Lexington, KY Kroger Field Orange Lot
September 14, 2024 Texas A&M 33 Florida 20 Gainesville, FL Plaza of the Americas
September 21, 2024 UCLA 17 No. 16 LSU 34 Baton Rouge, LA The Quad
September 28, 2024 No. 21 Oklahoma 27 Auburn 21 Auburn, AL Wellness Kitchen Green Space
October 5, 2024 No. 9 Missouri 10 No. 25 Texas A&M 41 College Station, TX Aggie Park
October 12, 2024 No. 1 Texas 34 No. 18 Oklahoma 3 Dallas, TX Texas State Fair Red River Rivalry
October 19, 2024 No. 7 Alabama 17 No. 11 Tennessee 24 Knoxville, TN Ayres Hall Third Saturday in October
October 26, 2024 No. 21 Missouri 0 No. 15 Alabama 34 Tuscaloosa, AL Outside Wade Hall
November 2, 2024 Florida 20 No.2 Georgia 34 Jacksonville, FL Outside EverBank Stadium Florida–Georgia football rivalry
November 9, 2024 No. 2 Georgia 10 No. 16 Ole Miss 28 Oxford, MS The Grove
November 16, 2024 No. 6 Tennessee 17 No. 11 Georgia 31 Athens, GA Outside the Special Collections Library Rivalry
November 23, 2024 Kentucky 14 No. 3 Texas 31 Austin, TX Hook'em Hangout
November 30, 2024 Auburn 14 No. 13 Alabama 28 Tuscaloosa, AL Outside Wade Hall Iron Bowl
December 7, 2024 No. 5 Georgia 22OT No. 2 Texas 19 Atlanta, GA Georgia World Congress Center SEC Championship
December 21, 2024 No. 13 Clemson 24 No. 4 Texas 38 Austin, TX Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium CFP First Round
January 2, 2025 No. 3 Notre Dame 23 No. 2 Georgia 10 New Orleans, LA Caesars Superdome Sugar Bowl – College Football Playoff Quarterfinal
January 10, 2025 No. 6 Ohio State 28 No. 4 Texas 14 Arlington, TX Miller Lite Deck at AT&T Stadium Cotton Bowl Classic – College Football Playoff Semifinal

2025 season

[edit]
Date Visitor Host City Location Notes
August 30, 2025 Syracuse 26 No. 24 Tennessee 45 Atlanta, GA Tailgate Town Aflac Kickoff Game
September 6, 2025 Kansas 31 Missouri 42 Columbia, MO Carnahan Quad Border War
September 13, 2025 Florida 10 No. 3 LSU 20 Baton Rouge, LA The Quad Florida–LSU football rivalry
September 20, 2025 No. 22 Auburn 17 No. 11 Oklahoma 24 Norman, OK South Oval
September 27, 2025 No. 17 Alabama 24 No. 5 Georgia 21 Athens, GA Myers Quad Alabama–Georgia football rivalry
October 4, 2025 No. 9 Texas 21 Florida 29 Gainesville, FL Plaza of the Americas
October 11, 2025 No. 8 Alabama 27 No. 14 Missouri 24 Columbia, MO Walsworth Plaza
October 18, 2025 No. 11 Tennessee 20 No. 6 Alabama 37 Tuscaloosa, AL Wade Hall Third Saturday in October
October 25, 2025 No. 8 Ole Miss 34 No. 13 Oklahoma 26 Norman, OK Party at the Palace
November 1, 2025 No. 9 Vanderbilt No. 20 Texas Austin, TX Gregory Gym Plaza


Winners are listed in bold.
Home team listed in italics for neutral-site or off-campus games.
All rankings displayed for FBS teams are from the AP Poll at the time of the game.

Appearances and results by school

[edit]

SEC

[edit]
School Times hosted Host wins Host record Host win % Appearances Overall Wins Overall Record Overall Win %
Alabama 16 14 14–2 .875 57 47 47–10 .825
Arkansas 6 4 4–2 .667 11 5 5–6 .455
Auburn 11 5 5–6 .455 22 6 6–16 .273
Florida 9 5 5–4 .556 28 10 10–18 .357
Georgia 14 10 10–4 .714 45 31 31–14 .705
Kentucky 9 3 3–6 .333 18 5 5–13 .278
LSU 7 5 5–2 .714 23 14 14–9 .609
Mississippi State 8 4 4–4 .500 13 6 6–7 .462
Missouri 7 4 4–3 .571 9 4 4–5 .444
Oklahoma 2 1 1–1 .500 6 2 2–4 .333
Ole Miss 6 2 2–4 .333 10 4 4–6 .400
South Carolina 6 1 1–5 .167 11 4 4–7 .364
Tennessee 12 5 5–7 .417 27 10 10–17 .370
Texas 3 2 2–0 1.000 9 4 4–4 .500
Texas A&M 8 5 5–3 .625 16 8 8–8 .500
Vanderbilt 4 0 0–4 .000 6 0 0–5 .000

Non-SEC

[edit]
School Appearances Wins Record Win % Last appearance
Appalachian State 1 0 0–1 .000 September 1, 2016
Cincinnati 2 0 0–2 .000 September 3, 2022
The Citadel 1 1 1–0 1.000 November 21, 2015
Clemson 7 3 3–4 .429 December 21, 2024
Kansas 1 0 0–1 .000 September 6, 2025
Miami (FL) 3 1 1–2 .333 August 31, 2024
Michigan 3 2 2–1 .667 January 1, 2024
Michigan State 1 0 0–1 .000 December 31, 2015
Northwestern State 1 0 0–1 .000 August 30, 2018
Notre Dame 1 1 1–0 1.000 January 2, 2025
Ohio State 3 2 2–1 .667 January 10, 2025
Penn State 2 1 1–1 .500 September 17, 2022
South Dakota 1 0 0–1 .000 August 31, 2023
Syracuse 1 0 0–1 .000 August 30, 2025
TCU 1 0 0–1 .000 January 9, 2023
UCLA 2 0 0–2 .000 September 21, 2024
UMass 1 0 0–1 .000 November 17, 2018
UTEP 1 0 0–1 .000 September 5, 2015
Virginia 1 0 0–1 .000 September 2, 2023
Wake Forest 1 0 1–0 1.000 September 10, 2022
Washington 1 0 0–1 .000 December 31, 2016
West Virginia 2 1 1–1 .500 September 7, 2019

Other conference records

[edit]
Conference Appearances Record Win %
ACC 13 5–8 .385
Big Ten 9 5–4 .556
Big 12 9 2–7 .222
American 2 0–2 .000
Independent 2 1–1 .500
Pac-12 2 0–2 .000
Conference USA 1 0–1 .000
Missouri Valley 1 0–1 .000
Southern 1 1–0 1.000
Southland 1 0–1 .000
Sun Belt 1 0–1 .000

Off campus locations

[edit]

Regular season

[edit]

Postseason

[edit]

Tebow's Freak of the Week

[edit]

2014

[edit]
Date Player Team
August 28 Corey Robinson South Carolina
August 30 Sammie Coates Auburn
September 6 Vince Taylor Vanderbilt
September 13 Vernon Hargreaves III Florida
September 20 Landon Collins Alabama
September 27 Nick Chubb Georgia
October 4 Benardrick McKinney Mississippi State
October 11 Trey Flowers Arkansas
October 18 Robert Nkemdiche Ole Miss
October 25 Alvin Bud Dupree Kentucky
November 1 Shane Ray Missouri
November 8 Danielle Hunter LSU
November 15 Myles Garrett Texas A&M
November 22 Owen Williams Tennessee
November 29 Nick Chubb Georgia
Freak of the Year Trey Flowers & Nick Chubb Arkansas & Georgia

2015

[edit]
Date Player Team
September 5 Dan Skipper Arkansas
September 12 Sony Michel Georgia
September 19 Leonard Fournette LSU
September 26 Jonathan Bullard Florida
October 3 Nick Chubb Georgia
October 10 Cameron Sutton Tennessee
October 17 Myles Garrett Texas A&M
October 24 Derrick Henry Alabama
October 31 Stanley Williams Kentucky
November 5 Charles Harris Missouri
November 7 Robert Nkemdiche Ole Miss
November 14 Brandon Bryant Mississippi State
November 21 Pharoh Cooper South Carolina
November 28 Carl Lawson Auburn
Freak of the Year Derrick Henry Alabama

2016

[edit]
Date Player Team
September 3 Myles Garrett Texas A&M
September 10 Gerri Green Mississippi State
September 17 D.J. Jones Ole Miss
September 24 Braden Smith Auburn
October 1 Isaiah McKenzie Georgia
October 8 N/A N/A
October 15 Alvin Kamara Tennessee
October 22 Jordan Jones Kentucky
October 29 N/A N/A
November 5 Jeremiah Ledbetter Arkansas
November 12 Florida Secondary Florida
November 19 Derrius Guice LSU
November 26 O. J. Howard Alabama
Freak of the Year Jordan Jones & Myles Garrett Kentucky & Texas A&M

October 8: There was no Freak of the Week due to SEC Nation not being at a specific location because of Hurricane Matthew moving SEC Nation to their Charlotte studios. The Freak of the Week would have been someone from Florida or LSU. October 29: There was no Freak of the Week due to the game being at a neutral site with no exact team location. Instead, in the spirit of Halloween, Tebow and Spears "created" their own scariest player based on how good different players were from the SEC.

2017

[edit]
Date Player Team
September 2 Chauncey Gardner Jr Florida
September 9 Damarea Crockett Missouri
September 16 Donald Gray Mississippi State
September 23 Ralph Webb Vanderbilt
September 30 Trevor Daniel Tennessee
October 7 Kadarius Toney Florida
October 14 Lorenzo Carter Georgia
October 21 Calvin Ridley Alabama
October 28 N/A N/A
November 4 Bo Scarbrough Alabama
November 11 Will Hastings Auburn
November 18 Christian Payne Georgia
November 25 Hayden Hurst South Carolina
December 2 Lorenzo Carter Georgia
Freak of the Year Lorenzo Carter & Hayden Hurst Georgia & South Carolina

October 28: There was no Freak of the Week due to the game being at a neutral site with no exact team location. Instead, in the spirit of Halloween, Tebow and Spears "created" their own scariest player based on how good different players were from the SEC.

2018

[edit]
Date Player Team
August 30 Tyrel Dodson Texas A&M
September 7 Deebo Samuel South Carolina
September 14 DK Metcalf Ole Miss
September 21 Xavier McKinney Alabama
September 28 Montez Sweat Mississippi State
October 6 Jordan Scarlett Florida
October 13 Derrick Brown Auburn
October 20 Alontae Taylor Tennessee
October 27 N/A N/A
November 3 Josh Allen Kentucky
November 10 Hjalte Froholdt Arkansas
November 17 Elijah Holyfield and D'Andre Swift Georgia
Freak of the Year Quinnen Williams Alabama

October 27: This week there were two throwback Freaks of the Week, for Georgia, Herschel Walker and for Florida, Jevon Kearse.

2019

[edit]
Date Player Team
August 24 CJ Henderson Florida
August 31 Jared Pinkney Vanderbilt
September 7 Albert Okwuegbunam Missouri
September 14 Josh Paschal Kentucky
September 21 Micheal Clemons Texas A&M
September 28 Derrick Brown and Anthony Schwartz Auburn
October 5 Trey Smith Tennessee
October 12 D'Andre Swift Georgia
October 19 Kylin Hill Mississippi State
October 26 Grant Delpit LSU
November 2 Van Jefferson and Lawrence Cager Florida and Georgia
November 9 Bama wideouts Alabama
November 16 Myles Hartsfield Ole Miss
November 23 Azeez Ojulari Georgia
November 30 Marlon Davidson Auburn
December 7 Clyde Edwards-Helaire LSU
December 28 JaCoby Stevens LSU
January 13 K'Lavon Chaisson LSU
Freak of the Year Derrick Brown Auburn

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

SEC Nation

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
SEC Nation is the (SEC) Network's signature traveling pre-game show dedicated to , airing live each week during the season from a different SEC campus or host city to preview upcoming matchups, feature fan interactions, and provide expert analysis. The two-hour program, typically broadcast from 10 a.m. to noon ET on Saturdays, adopts a tailgate-style format that immerses viewers in the SEC's vibrant game-day atmosphere, complete with musical performances, special guests, and on-site reporting from the week's key venues. Sponsored by , it has become a staple of SEC football coverage. SEC Nation debuted on August 28, 2014, just two weeks after the launch of the on August 14, 2014, as part of the network's initial slate of designed to capture the passion of SEC sports. The show was conceived to differentiate SEC Network's coverage by traveling to game sites, mirroring the energy of ESPN's College GameDay but tailored exclusively to the SEC's 16 member institutions. Over its decade-long run, it has visited dozens of locations across the Southeast, from urban centers like to college towns such as , adapting to expanded conference alignments including the additions of and in 2024. The program's format emphasizes accessibility and entertainment, alongside live updates from sideline reporters and celebrity appearances from SEC alumni. In 2024, SEC Network refreshed the show's theme song and opening sequence, featuring country music star to enhance its festive vibe. Special episodes occasionally air on Thursdays or during neutral-site games, such as the 2025 season opener at in . Hosted by since 2017, the ensemble cast includes radio personality , former NFL players and , and SEC legend , whose chemistry blends humor, debate, and deep football knowledge to engage a dedicated fanbase. This core group contributes to the show's reputation as a cultural touchstone for SEC Nation—the passionate supporters of the conference—fostering rivalries and celebrations that extend beyond the field.

Overview

History

SEC Nation premiered on August 28, 2014, coinciding with the launch of the two weeks earlier, with its debut broadcast originating from Gamecock Park in , ahead of the Texas A&M at football game. The show's initial concept was developed as a traveling pregame program modeled after ESPN's College GameDay, featuring a fixed cast of hosts and analysts dedicated exclusively to (SEC) football coverage, including segments like Tim Tebow's Freak of the Week introduced in its inaugural season. Over subsequent seasons, SEC Nation evolved with key personnel transitions, such as assuming the hosting role in 2017 after serving as a reporter the prior year, while maintaining core analysts like Tebow from the outset. In 2020, amid the , the production adapted by forgoing on-site broadcasts in favor of a studio-based format with host Rutledge appearing from ESPN's facility, from the Charlotte facility, and other analysts from their home studios, limiting live audience interactions and incorporating virtual elements to comply with health protocols. That year also saw host and analyst changes, with joining the panel as Marcus Spears and departed, though Finebaum returned in 2021. Milestones in the show's development included the integration of digital streaming availability on beginning in 2018, enhancing accessibility beyond traditional cable, and post-2017 expansions in interactive fan engagement through on-site experiences and competitions. By 2025, SEC Nation marked its continued stability with renewals for its core talent, including Rutledge entering her ninth season as host alongside Finebaum, Tebow, Rodgers, and , alongside a refreshed traveling set design for the campaign.

Format and Production

SEC Nation airs live every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to noon ET on the , serving as the primary pregame lead-in to that day's slate of (SEC) college football games. The show originates from the campus or a prominent location near the featured matchup, immersing viewers in the host city's atmosphere while providing two hours of analysis and hype. This consistent schedule allows it to build anticipation directly before kickoffs, often transitioning seamlessly into ESPN's network-wide game coverage. The core format opens with the host's introduction to set the stage for the day's key narratives, followed by panel discussions among analysts breaking down upcoming matchups, including team strategies, player performances, and conference implications. Live interviews with coaches, players, and fans add immediacy, capturing on-site energy through field reports and spontaneous interactions. Highlight reels recap recent SEC action, while the segment concludes with panel predictions for game outcomes, emphasizing rivalries and stakes. These elements create a dynamic, conversational flow inspired by the structure of ESPN's College GameDay. Production relies on a mobile studio and traveling crew that relocates weekly to SEC host cities, ensuring on-site filming that highlights local traditions, tailgates, and fan gatherings for an authentic regional flavor. The setup includes a custom traveling desk with LED panels for dynamic branding, faux brick columns etched with the SEC logo, and decorative elements like rival team helmets to underscore conference lore. Graphics integrate seamlessly, displaying key stats, standings, and rivalry histories via the desk's screens and overhead truss lighting. Fabricated for durability, the production adapts to varying venue sizes and conditions, with on-site support from specialists handling staging and technical needs. As part of 's comprehensive SEC coverage, SEC Nation coordinates with complementary programming like Marty & McGee and The Paul Finebaum Show for extended pregame context, including cross-promotions that amplify hype across networks. Viewer engagement emphasizes direct interaction during the live road show, where the crew connects with crowds at tailgates, stadiums, and sidelines to foster community and excitement. The program ties into SEC Network's presence for real-time updates and fan reactions, with full episodes and highlights available on demand via the ESPN App.

Personalities

Current

serves as the host of SEC Nation since 2017, having previously contributed as a reporter for the starting in 2014. Her role involves guiding discussions while interacting with fans in tailgate settings across SEC campuses, fostering an energetic atmosphere that connects the show directly with local supporters. The analyst team features , who joined in 2014 and specializes in player evaluations, drawing on his experience as a former winner to break down individual performances and potential impacts on games. , an analyst since 2020, provides quarterback-specific insights, often ranking and analyzing SEC signal-callers based on film study and efficiency metrics. , who began contributing in 2020, focuses on defensive analysis, offering breakdowns of schemes, coverages, and key matchups from his background as a former All-SEC safety. appears as a recurring analyst since 2021, delivering provocative commentary on SEC rivalries, coaching decisions, and dynamics that frequently spark debate among viewers. As of November 2025, Finebaum is reportedly considering leaving after the 2025 season to pursue a U.S. run in . In August 2025, announced contract renewals for several on-air talents, including analysts and , ensuring continuity for the 2025 season amid the show's evolving coverage of expanded conference matchups. The current panel's chemistry energizes SEC Nation's discussions, with Tebow's infectious enthusiasm for player development contrasting Finebaum's tendency to ignite controversy through bold takes on SEC controversies, creating a balanced mix of optimism and critique that resonates with the fanbase.

Former

Joe Tessitore hosted SEC Nation from its debut in 2014 through the 2016 season, bringing his experience as an play-by-play announcer to lead the traveling pregame show alongside analysts like and . He departed following the 2016 campaign to take on primetime play-by-play duties for . Marcus Spears joined as an analyst in 2014 shortly after the show's launch, offering defensive insights from his career as an LSU national champion and player, and remained a staple through the 2019 season. His tenure ended due to expanded commitments, including roles on and NFL Live. Booger McFarland served as a analyst for the starting in 2014, contributing to SEC Nation during its formative early seasons with analysis rooted in his LSU and background as a two-time champion. He transitioned away from primary SEC coverage around to focus on broadcasting, including studio analysis for ESPN's programs. Greg McElroy, a former and 2010 national champion, joined SEC Nation as an analyst in 2015, providing quarterback perspectives and game breakdowns until 2019. He later shifted to broader analysis roles outside the show's core rotation. Paul Finebaum, known for his radio show and SEC commentary, took a hiatus from SEC Nation during the 2020 season amid commitments to his syndicated radio program and adjustments during the disruptions. He returned in 2021 as a regular analyst. Alyssa Lang participated in pre-2025 reporting rotations for football coverage, including sideline contributions that occasionally supported SEC Nation segments, prior to her expanded hosting duties. Cole Cubelic handled early sideline reporting roles for games before becoming a mainstream studio analyst, with his on-field work aiding SEC Nation's game-day previews in the mid-2010s.

Broadcast Locations

2014 Season

SEC Nation debuted in 2014 as a cornerstone program of the newly launched , airing its first episode on August 28 from , ahead of the Texas A&M at matchup. The show, hosted by with analysts , Marcus Spears, and , and reporter , traveled to SEC campuses and related sites each week, creating a mobile pre-game experience tailored to conference fans. This inaugural season marked the program's commitment to visiting all 14 SEC schools, emphasizing fan engagement in campus-specific settings like quads and tailgate areas. The 2014 broadcast schedule aligned with key early-season SEC games, starting with the network's Thursday night opener and continuing through the conference championship. Locations were selected to build excitement around marquee matchups, with the show originating from central campus spots to integrate local traditions and crowds.
DateLocationGame Previewed
Aug. 28Columbia, SCTexas A&M at
Aug. 30Auburn, AL at Auburn
Sept. 6Nashville, TNOle Miss at Vanderbilt
Sept. 13Gainesville, FL at
Sept. 20Tuscaloosa, AL at
Sept. 27Athens, GA at Georgia
Oct. 4Starkville, MSTexas A&M at Mississippi State
Oct. 11Fayetteville, AR at
Oct. 18Oxford, MS at Ole Miss
Oct. 25Lexington, KYMississippi State at
Nov. 1Columbia, MO at
Nov. 8Baton Rouge, LA at LSU
Nov. 15College Station, TX at Texas A&M
Nov. 22Knoxville, TN at
Nov. 29Oxford, MSMississippi State at Ole Miss
Dec. 6Atlanta, GASEC Championship ( vs. )
The season featured high-energy launches tied to the SEC Network's debut on , with promotional hype building around Tebow's first on-air analysis segments, where he broke down plays from a quarterback's perspective while maintaining neutrality despite his background. Crowd sizes were robust, often drawing thousands to interactive setups with local integrations like houndstooth hat giveaways at and fan Q&A sessions, fostering a festive atmosphere distinct from traditional studio shows. Reception positioned SEC Nation as a fresh SEC-exclusive alternative to ESPN's College GameDay, praised for its talent lineup and road-show vibe that captured conference passion. Viewership contributed to the SEC Network's record-breaking launch, the most successful sports channel debut in cable history with carriage in over 90 million homes, though specific metrics for SEC Nation episodes highlighted its role in driving morning engagement leading into games. Logistical challenges arose from establishing a weekly traveling format for the first time, including rapid setup of mobile production in varying environments—from urban parks to rural quads—while coordinating with fan events and weather contingencies across 14 sites in four months. Despite these hurdles, the season refined the show's operations, setting a template for future expansions.

2015 Season

The 2015 season of SEC Nation marked the show's second year on air, expanding its reach across all 14 SEC campuses while incorporating neutral-site broadcasts for high-profile matchups. The pregame show debuted the year from Victory Village at the , setting the tone for a tour that visited every conference school at least once. Broadcasts emphasized on-campus energy, with sets positioned in iconic locations to capture school spirit ahead of key games. This season's itinerary included 14 regular-season stops, culminating in postseason coverage tied to the SEC Championship. SEC Nation's 2015 locations were strategically aligned with marquee SEC matchups, starting in Fayetteville and weaving through the conference footprint. A notable inclusion was the neutral-site broadcast in , at EverBank Field for the annual Georgia-Florida rivalry on October 31. The full schedule of regular-season sites is outlined below:
DateSchoolSet LocationFeatured Matchup
Sept. 5Victory VillageUTEP at
Sept. 12VanderbiltThe CommonsGeorgia at Vanderbilt
Sept. 19LSUCorner of Nicholson Drive and Gourrier AveAuburn at LSU
Sept. 26Plaza of the Americas at
Oct. 3GeorgiaMyers Quad at Georgia
Oct. 10Ayres Hall on “The Hill”Georgia at
Oct. 17Texas A&MSpence Park at Texas A&M
Oct. 24Moore Hall at
Oct. 31Purple Lot / EverBank Field () at / Georgia vs.
Nov. 5 (Thursday game)Mississippi State at
Nov. 7Ole MissThe Grove at Ole Miss
Nov. 14Mississippi State at Mississippi State
Nov. 21Gamecock Park / SidelinesCitadel at (early game)
Nov. 28AuburnCampus Green (East-side of Jordan-Hare Stadium) at Auburn
Key moments highlighted the show's adaptability and engagement with fans. Increased fan interactions were evident through segments spotlighting coaches, such as Missouri's , and community recovery efforts, including student-athletes aiding flood relief in . The season experienced its first major weather disruption when severe flooding forced a diversion of the planned October 10 stop from to Tennessee's Ayres Hall. These elements built on the previous year's foundation, fostering deeper connections with SEC audiences. Viewership for ESPN's coverage, encompassing SEC Network shows like SEC Nation, saw a 16% uptick in average per-game audience compared to 2014, rising from 1,776,000 to 2,064,000 viewers. This growth underscored the rising popularity of SEC-centric programming amid a competitive landscape. The season tied into championship coverage with a dedicated broadcast from on December 5, originating from the SEC FanFare and sidelines to preview the Alabama-Florida . Minor format adjustments were made based on viewer and production feedback, including dual-location setups to accommodate early kickoffs and simultaneous events. For instance, the November 21 South Carolina broadcast split between Gamecock Park and the sidelines, while the October 31 episode covered two games from Lexington and Jacksonville. These tweaks enhanced flexibility without altering the core two-hour live format.

2016 Season

In 2016, SEC Nation broadcast from prominent SEC campuses to preview major matchups, starting with Oxford, Mississippi, on September 17 ahead of No. 17 Ole Miss hosting No. 1 Alabama in a key Western Division clash. The show aired live from The Grove, Ole Miss's iconic tailgating area, where fans gathered early to engage with the production and enjoy the pregame atmosphere. Hosted by Maria Taylor with analysts Tim Tebow, Marcus Spears, and Paul Finebaum, the broadcast featured Laura Rutledge reporting from the crowd, emphasizing the Rebels' recent success against Alabama in prior seasons. On October 1, SEC Nation originated from , setting the stage for Georgia's matchup against , a pivotal SEC East contest that drew national attention for its dramatic finish, including a game-winning from 's to . The show's location in allowed for immersive coverage of Bulldog traditions and fan energy, aligning with the network's focus on rivalry intensity. Later in the season, on November 19, the program aired an extended three-hour edition from , previewing LSU's rescheduled game against Florida following disruptions; this stop highlighted local flavor with contributions from LSU alum Marcus Spears and native on the game broadcast. These site selections underscored SEC Nation's alignment with high-profile games, including the earlier Alabama-LSU showdown in Baton Rouge on November 5, where No. 1 secured a 10-0 defensive victory. Highlights of the season included enthusiastic fan interactions and large gatherings at broadcast sites, such as The Grove in , contributing to the show's vibrant on-location energy. guest appearances added variety, though specific instances varied by week, while the program integrated seamlessly with SEC Network's expanded slate of over 30 football games across platforms, enhancing overall coverage depth. Production for the 2016 season incorporated enhancements like a newly revealed on-site design for improved visual appeal during live segments. The transition to Maria Taylor as host brought fresh energy, supported by returning analysts and reporters utilizing mobile setups for real-time fan feeds and interviews. This season's broadcasts received critical acclaim for effectively capturing the unbridled passion of SEC football culture, solidifying SEC Nation's role as a cornerstone of the network's Saturday morning programming.

2017 Season

The 2017 season of introduced as its new host, marking her debut in the role following her previous contributions as a reporter and studio anchor for the network. Rutledge's transition brought fresh energy to the production, as noted by senior coordinating producer Tom McCollum, who highlighted her work ethic and chemistry with analysts , , and Marcus Spears as key assets for engaging discussions on SEC football. This leadership shift occurred amid a competitive season where multiple SEC teams vied for spots, with the show's format emphasizing on-site analysis from high-stakes venues. SEC Nation's travel schedule for 2017 aligned closely with games carrying playoff implications, including stops in , for the Florida-LSU matchup on October 7 at . The broadcast originated from the Plaza of the Americas, previewing a contest pivotal for both teams' and SEC East positioning. Later, the crew visited , on October 21 for the Alabama-Tennessee rivalry at Bryant-Denny Stadium, a clash that underscored Alabama's dominance in the SEC West race. The season's late highlight came in , on November 25 for the Palmetto Bowl between South Carolina and Clemson at Williams-Brice Stadium, the first time the show broadcast from the venue for this intrastate rivalry, which held broader postseason ramifications for Clemson's undefeated campaign. These selections reflected the show's focus on syncing with pivotal moments that influenced national playoff seeding. Viewership for SEC programming surged during the national championship buildup, exemplified by the December 2 SEC Championship Game between Georgia and Auburn, which averaged 13.5 million viewers and an 8.0 household rating on CBS—up 21% in ratings from the prior year. This momentum built on earlier high-profile broadcasts, contributing to the SEC on CBS package averaging 5.0 million viewers across its 17 games, the highest for any college football network slate that season. The season also featured innovations in fan engagement, with SEC Nation incorporating social media interactions and live call-ins to enhance discussions, as seen in complementary studio shows like Thinking Out Loud hosted by analysts Greg McElroy and Marcus Spears.

2018 Season

In the 2018 season, SEC Nation continued its tradition of traveling to key SEC campuses, with a particular emphasis on locations featuring narratives in high-stakes matchups. The show broadcast from , on November 3 ahead of No. 6 Georgia's visit to Kentucky, highlighting the Wildcats' surprising 8-4 campaign and their potential to upset a Bulldogs team favored by 17 points. Similarly, the production visited , on November 10 for No. 7 LSU's clash with the Razorbacks, focusing on Arkansas's resilience amid a rebuilding year under coach , where the home team entered as a 17-point . In , on October 20, SEC Nation previewed No. 1 Alabama's rivalry game against the Volunteers, emphasizing Tennessee's efforts to reclaim relevance after a 4-8 season, with the Vols facing a 28-point spread. These selections underscored the show's role in amplifying stories of perseverance for programs seeking to defy expectations within the competitive SEC landscape. Standout moments from the season included dramatic game previews that captured the intensity of these rivalries, such as in-depth segments on Kentucky's defensive resurgence against Georgia's explosive offense and Tennessee's historical grit in the matchup. The Fayetteville broadcast featured engaging features on Arkansas's local fanbase and the "Golden Boot" trophy stakes, drawing widespread viewer interest. On-site attendance reached notable highs, with the Lexington setup outside William T. Young Library attracting thousands of fans to the pregame festivities, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere that mirrored the game's electric energy. These elements helped SEC Nation maintain its reputation for immersive, fan-centric coverage during a season marked by the SEC's overall 8-3 record against non-conference opponents. Production enhancements in 2018 incorporated improved aerial drone footage to showcase campus landmarks and tailgate scenes, particularly evident in the Knoxville broadcast overlooking and Ayres Hall. Local collaborations enriched the content, including partnerships with university athletics departments for authentic features, such as player interviews at Arkansas's and community spotlights in Lexington tied to Kentucky's "Big Blue Nation" culture. These innovations elevated the visual and narrative quality, allowing for more dynamic storytelling. Overall, SEC Nation's 2018 efforts played a pivotal role in shaping the SEC's national narrative, by spotlighting underdog triumphs and rivalries that reinforced the conference's reputation for compelling, high-drama football amid a year that saw secure the SEC Championship.

2019 Season

The 2019 season marked a high point for SEC Nation, with the pregame show traveling to key Southeastern Conference venues to capture the energy of packed tailgates and campus traditions ahead of high-stakes matchups. Broadcasts emphasized immersive fan experiences, including setups on university quads and near iconic stadiums, as the program averaged strong viewership amid rising national interest in SEC football. ESPN's networks, including SEC Network, captured 54% of all college football viewership that year, reflecting the show's role in building anticipation for games that drew millions. Weekly broadcasts highlighted diverse locations, starting with , for Vanderbilt's season opener against Georgia State on August 31, where the crew engaged with Music City festivities. In , SEC Nation originated from the University of Georgia's Myers Quad on October 12 for the Bulldogs' clash with , drawing large crowds for live discussions on the team's defensive prowess. Expansions at LSU's Tiger Stadium, known as , featured a notable October 26 broadcast from Baton Rouge ahead of the top-ranked Tigers' showdown with ninth-ranked Auburn, amplifying the stadium's legendary atmosphere with on-site fan segments. Additional stops included , for the August 24 neutral-site opener between Florida and , and Jacksonville for the annual Florida-Georgia on November 2. Paul Finebaum's role as a lead analyst grew more prominent, with his provocative takes on SEC rivalries driving engaging debates during segments like those in Oxford, Mississippi's Grove. Viral fan moments, such as enthusiastic tailgate interviews and interactions, underscored the show's cultural impact, often shared widely on social platforms to heighten pregame hype. These elements contributed to peak averages before the disruptions of the following year. Logistics followed established pre-2020 norms, with the transporting modular sets and equipment via ground and air to each site, coordinating with host universities for secure fan zones and live audience management. This mobile format allowed seamless integration into campus events, fostering direct connections with supporters.

2020 Season

The 2020 season of was significantly altered by the , shifting from its traditional on-campus road shows to a primarily studio-based format to minimize travel and ensure participant safety. Hosted by from ESPN's studios, the program featured in the SEC Network's Charlotte studios, with and contributing remotely from their home setups, allowing for distributed production across multiple locations. This adaptation aligned with broader SEC football protocols, including enhanced health and safety measures such as regular testing and for personnel. The show premiered on September 19, 2020, with a season preview episode ahead of the SEC's delayed football kickoff on September 26, reflecting the conference's abbreviated 10-game, conference-only schedule that postponed non-conference matchups amid rising pandemic concerns. Throughout the regular season, broadcasts emphasized analysis of rescheduled games and COVID-related disruptions, such as the postponement of at least four contests due to positive cases, while incorporating virtual fan interactions to replicate the energetic atmosphere of prior years. The format prioritized conceptual discussions on team preparations under restricted conditions, including limited or no spectator crowds at venues, fostering a resilient coverage style that highlighted the league's determination to proceed. A notable exception occurred for the on December 19 in , where SEC Nation conducted two on-site broadcasts from —the first full road show of the season—featuring a two-hour preview at 10 a.m. ET and a 90-minute pre-game edition at 6:30 p.m. ET, under strict health protocols to accommodate the high-profile event. This limited return to a live venue underscored the evolving landscape, with the show's production blending on-site elements from and supplemental studio feeds from Charlotte. Overall, the season's adaptations were praised for maintaining engaging, informative content that supported the SEC's abbreviated campaign, paving the way for a fuller resumption of travel broadcasts in 2021.

2021 Season

The 2021 season represented a significant milestone for SEC Nation, as the pregame show fully resumed its signature traveling format after the limited operations in to just four on-site broadcasts. With vaccinations widely available and case numbers declining, the production team returned to a full slate of 12 live episodes from diverse locations, emphasizing the revival of in-person fan interactions and on-campus energy that define the program. This post-pandemic resurgence allowed SEC Nation to recapture its role as a mobile hub for SEC football preview, airing Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on ahead of key matchups. Broadcast sites highlighted the show's expanded reach, starting with a doubleheader from the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 2 and 4 for Tennessee's season-opening games against Bowling Green and Pittsburgh—marking a new neutral-site venue to accommodate non-conference action. The itinerary then included traditional SEC strongholds like Oxford, Mississippi, where the show originated from The Grove at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on October 23 ahead of Ole Miss hosting LSU, drawing large, celebratory crowds to the tailgate area for the first time in two years. Another highlight was Jacksonville, Florida, on October 30 for the neutral-site Georgia-Florida rivalry at TIAA Bank Field, where the production captured the event's electric atmosphere amid packed fan zones. These locations, along with stops in Gainesville, Tuscaloosa, Athens, and others, showcased a blend of resumed staples and fresh venues to align with high-profile games. A key highlight was the return of Paul Finebaum to the SEC Nation set following his departure from the show in 2020 amid production changes related to the pandemic; his multi-year contract extension was announced in July 2021, bringing back his signature commentary and fan engagement segments. Crowds responded with enthusiasm, as seen in Tuscaloosa on November 20, where hundreds of Alabama supporters gathered around the Wade Hall set despite lingering health concerns, reflecting pent-up demand for communal football experiences. Viewership for SEC Network programming, including SEC Nation, rebounded sharply, with ESPN's college football coverage averaging 1.73 million viewers—up 16% from 2020 and matching pre-pandemic levels—fueled by fans' eagerness to reconnect with the sport. To ensure safety during this return, the show retained enhanced protocols in line with SEC guidelines, including mandatory testing for personnel, on set where feasible, and encouragement of masking in indoor or crowded areas, even as full-capacity crowds were permitted at most venues. These measures, outlined in the conference's October 2021 medical task force updates, helped maintain a secure environment while prioritizing the live broadcast's vibrancy. The season culminated with a special edition from Atlanta's on December 4 for the between and Georgia, underscoring the program's adaptability and central role in conference coverage.

2022 Season

The 2022 season of SEC Nation featured broadcasts from key SEC campuses, emphasizing high-profile matchups and fan engagement amid rising national attention to the conference. The show kicked off its traveling format in Fayetteville, Arkansas, for the season opener between Cincinnati and Arkansas on September 3, setting the tone for on-site coverage that integrated local traditions with expert analysis. Subsequent stops included Nashville, Tennessee, for Vanderbilt's home game against Hawaii on September 3 (broadcast from the Commons Lawn), and Gainesville, Florida, on September 10 for the matchup against South Florida. These locations highlighted the show's commitment to immersing in SEC culture, with production elements like live fan interactions and tailgate segments enhancing the pregame experience. Mid-season broadcasts spotlighted competitive rivalries, including a visit to , on October 8 for Arkansas at Mississippi State, where the crew set up at to preview the Bulldogs' home effort under new head coach . Later, on November 5, SEC Nation originated from , ahead of the high-stakes Tennessee-Georgia clash at , capturing the electric atmosphere of a top-10 showdown that factored into SEC title race previews. Ties to Texas A&M emerged through coverage of the neutral-site Arkansas- A&M game on October 29 at in , where the show underscored the Aggies' defensive prowess and the game's implications for conference standings, reflecting broader anticipation around Texas A&M's role in SEC dynamics. Key moments included analyst Roman Harper's insightful breakdowns of defensive strategies during these episodes, contributing to the show's reputation for blending insider perspectives with on-location energy. Production innovations in 2022 emphasized digital enhancements for hybrid viewing, with episodes streamed live on the and platforms, allowing fans remote access to interactive segments like real-time polls and overlays of stadium histories. This approach supported seamless integration between broadcast TV and mobile devices, broadening reach during a season when SEC football averaged strong viewership, including 10.89 million for the . The season's broadcasts played a pivotal role in sustaining growing national interest in the SEC ahead of future expansions, as evidenced by increased engagement metrics and the show's role in previewing marquee games that drew widespread media coverage.

2023 Season

In the 2023 season, SEC Nation broadcast from a variety of SEC campuses and neutral sites, capturing the anticipation surrounding the conference's expansion with the addition of and in 2024. The season kicked off with a special edition from , ahead of No. 12 Tennessee's matchup against at Nissan Stadium, setting the tone for discussions on how the realignment would intensify competition across the league. A highlight was the Week 2 broadcast from , outside Wade Hall, preceding No. 3 's game against No. 11 in the Allstate Crossbar Classic. This matchup served as an early preview of the Sooners and Longhorns' integration, with analysts emphasizing the elevated stakes for traditional powerhouses like facing the newcomers. The show frequently featured segments exploring potential new rivalries, such as potentially reviving historical ties with and clashing more regularly with Texas A&M, amid broader conversations on scheduling challenges in an 16-team format. Fan reactions to the impending expansion were varied, with many SEC supporters expressing excitement over boosted national relevance and media exposure, while others voiced concerns about diluted rivalries and increased travel demands. Broadcasts from sites like , for No. 1 Georgia versus No. 20 , and , for the Georgia-Florida rivalry at , highlighted these tensions through on-site interviews and analyst commentary. Viewership for SEC Network content remained robust, contributing to the conference's games averaging 3.44 million viewers per regular-season telecast, the highest among all conferences and underscoring the realignment's role in sustaining fan engagement through high-profile rivalries. Logistical preparations for the expansion were evident in the show's planning, including early explorations of broadcast setups for future and home games and adjustments to cover an expanded slate of matchups without overlapping key events.

2024 Season

The 2024 season marked SEC Nation's inaugural coverage of the expanded , now comprising 16 teams following the addition of and , alongside the shift to a division-less, 1-7 or 3-6 scheduling model that rotated opponents more frequently. This realignment broadened the show's geographic scope, with locations selected to highlight key matchups across the larger footprint while maintaining focus on high-profile games. Traditional sites remained staples, including , where the crew broadcast from twice: first for No. 15 Alabama's hosting of No. 21 Missouri on October 26, originating from the Quad on the campus, and later for the season-ending rivalry against Auburn on November 30. A major highlight was the show's debut in new markets enabled by the expansion, exemplified by its first-ever visit to , on November 23 for No. 3 Texas versus at Darrell K. Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium. Broadcast from the University of Texas campus, this episode drew significant attention as the Longhorns' undefeated season and the novelty of SEC Nation's presence amplified local excitement. The adjusted scheduling for the larger allowed the production to incorporate these fresh venues, balancing coverage of established powerhouses with emerging rivalries like Texas-, which aired on from 10 a.m. to noon ET. Production logistics scaled up notably to manage the increased travel demands of the 16-team league, with the —hosted by alongside , , , and —navigating more distant sites and coordinating with expanded programming like Marty & McGee. This included enhanced on-site setups at campuses to engage larger fan bases in non-traditional SEC territories. Fan reception was mixed, as the realignment's rotation of opponents led to concerns among some supporters about the dilution of annual rivalries, such as potential gaps in matchups like Alabama-LSU, though others embraced the excitement of new cross-conference clashes.

2025 Season

The 2025 season of SEC Nation marked the show's 11th year traveling to SEC campuses and neutral sites, emphasizing high-stakes matchups amid a competitive conference landscape with significant ramifications. Hosted by alongside analysts , , , and , the program debuted on August 30 in Atlanta, Georgia, ahead of Tennessee's 45-26 victory over Syracuse at during the . The show continued to Week 2 in , for Missouri's rivalry renewal against , drawing large crowds to and highlighting the Border War's return after a 14-year hiatus. Mid-season broadcasts captured escalating playoff stakes, with SEC Nation visiting Gainesville, Florida, in Week 6 for No. 9 Texas's 38-24 win over Florida, where discussions focused on the Longhorns' integration into the conference and their at-large playoff potential. In October, the show featured Alabama meteorologist James Spann as a guest picker during the Week 8 episode from Tuscaloosa ahead of Alabama's matchup with Tennessee, where his 3-for-3 predictions and local weather insights went viral among fans, amplifying the broadcast's regional appeal. Contract renewals for key personalities, including Paul Finebaum (August 2024), Laura Rutledge (February 2025), and Roman Harper (August 2025), ensure continuity for the season's coverage of the SEC's push for multiple playoff berths. As the season progressed into late November, SEC Nation broadcast from Starkville, Mississippi, in Week 11 for Mississippi State's 21-41 loss to No. 5 Georgia, underscoring the Bulldogs' improved defense under coach but also Georgia's dominance in the playoff race. Looking ahead, the Week 12 broadcast is set for , on for the top-15 clash between Georgia and , a pivotal game with direct implications for the SEC and playoff seeding, as both teams vie for supremacy. Remaining weeks will align with late-season rivalries, such as potential visits to Tuscaloosa or Baton Rouge, tying into the 's multi-team playoff contention that could see up to six SEC squads in the expanded bracket. The known 2025 broadcast schedule as of November 14 is outlined below:
DateLocationGame Previewed
Aug. 30Atlanta, GATennessee vs. Syracuse
Sept. 6Columbia, MO vs.
Oct. 4Gainesville, FL vs.
Oct. 18Tuscaloosa, AL vs.
Nov. 8Starkville, MSMississippi State vs. Georgia
Nov. 15Athens, GAGeorgia vs.

Appearances by School

SEC Schools

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) consists of 16 member institutions, all of which have hosted SEC Nation broadcasts since the show's debut in 2014, with visit frequencies reflecting each program's football prominence, home game scheduling, and national visibility. Georgia leads with 17 visits to by the end of the 2025 season, underscoring the Bulldogs' dominance, including back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022 that boosted their selection for high-stakes games. , site of the inaugural August 28, 2014, broadcast ahead of its opener against Texas A&M, has hosted 12 times, often aligning with marquee non-conference or rivalry matchups. Newer additions and have seen limited campus appearances, with Austin debuting in September 2024 for a clash against and hosting a second time in 2025 against Oklahoma State, while Norman received its first campus visit in September 2025 against Auburn (the 2024 was broadcast from , a neutral site). Visit patterns demonstrate a clear tie to program success and broadcast logistics, with top-tier teams like (14 visits), LSU (13), and Texas A&M (12) frequently selected for their capacity to draw large crowds and prime-time slots. Consecutive visit records include Georgia's five straight seasons from 2017 to 2021 and Tennessee's four in a row from 2019 to 2022, often coinciding with renovated facilities like Neyland Stadium expansions that accommodated record attendances exceeding 100,000. Vanderbilt, despite fewer overall visits (7), has hosted notable early-season games, highlighting the show's commitment to rotating across the conference. Broadcasts from SEC campuses have shown a positive with on-field results and postseason success, with examples including Georgia's 2021 postseason run following multiple visits and 's 2015 championship after a midseason show. These trends emphasize the show's role in amplifying game-day atmosphere without direct causal influence. As of November 14, 2025, the 2025 season is ongoing, with potential additional visits in Week 12 (November 15).
SchoolCity/StateTotal Visits (2014–2025)First VisitLast Visit
Tuscaloosa, AL14Sept. 20, 2014Oct. 18, 2025
Fayetteville, AR9Sept. 5, 2015Nov. 15, 2024
AuburnAuburn, AL11Aug. 30, 2014Sept. 28, 2024
Gainesville, FL11Sept. 13, 2014Oct. 5, 2025
Georgia, GA17Sept. 27, 2014Nov. 8, 2025
Lexington, KY8Oct. 31, 2015Sept. 27, 2025
LSUBaton Rouge, LA13Sept. 19, 2015Oct. 11, 2025
Ole MissOxford, MS11Oct. 4, 2014Nov. 9, 2024
Mississippi StateStarkville, MS7Sept. 27, 2014Nov. 2, 2025
Columbia, MO8Aug. 31, 2019Oct. 4, 2025
Norman, OK1Sept. 20, 2025Sept. 20, 2025
Columbia, SC12Aug. 28, 2014Sept. 20, 2025
Knoxville, TN10Sept. 1, 2016Oct. 11, 2025
Austin, TX2Sept. 7, 2024Oct. 11, 2025
Texas A&MCollege Station, TX12Sept. 3, 2016Nov. 29, 2024
VanderbiltNashville, TN7Sept. 6, 2014Sept. 13, 2025

Non-SEC Schools

SEC Nation has made visits to locations outside SEC school campuses, focusing on neutral sites for high-profile regular-season matchups between SEC teams and non-conference opponents from leagues such as the ACC and Big Ten, or SEC-SEC at neutral venues. These broadcasts, totaling around 25 since the show's debut in , underscore the SEC's participation in crossover games that draw national attention and often serve as season openers or rivalry events. Unlike the routine campus stops at SEC schools, these off-campus appearances are reserved for games at major stadiums in cities like Jacksonville, Nashville, and , where the show sets up near the venue to capture the unique atmosphere of neutral-site spectacles. The annual Georgia-Florida rivalry game in , represents the most consistent example, with SEC Nation broadcasting from the area outside each year since 2014. This tradition highlights the "World's Largest Outdoor " event, a neutral-site fixture since 1933 that alternates home advantages but remains a marquee SEC vs. SEC contest with broad appeal. Other patterns include occasional season-opening neutral-site games, such as Tennessee's matchups in Nashville and against ACC foes, emphasizing the SEC's strategy to schedule impactful non-conference games at prominent venues to boost visibility and revenue. These visits occur roughly once or twice per season at most, prioritizing games with top-25 potential or , in addition to the annual GFL.
DateLocationGameOutcome
September 2, 2023Nashville, TN (Nissan Stadium) vs. (ACC) 49, 13
October 28, 2023Jacksonville, FL ()Georgia vs. Georgia 43, 20
November 2, 2024Jacksonville, FL ()Georgia vs. Georgia 34, 20
August 30, 2025Atlanta, GA () vs. Syracuse (ACC) 45, Syracuse 26
November 1, 2025Jacksonville, FL ()Georgia vs. Georgia 24, 20

Off-Campus Broadcasts

Regular Season

SEC Nation's regular-season off-campus broadcasts occur at neutral or non-traditional venues, primarily to cover high-profile SEC matchups that draw large crowds from multiple fan bases. Key sites include Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, which has hosted the show for select Vanderbilt Commodores games, such as the 2014 matchup against Ole Miss played there due to renovations at Vanderbilt's home stadium. Another prominent location is EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, where SEC Nation has aired annually since 2015 for the Georgia Bulldogs-Florida Gators rivalry game, a neutral-site tradition that alternates between the teams' home campuses but is fixed in Jacksonville. Recent examples include the August 30, 2025, broadcast from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for the Tennessee Volunteers vs. Syracuse Orange Aflac Kickoff Game. These broadcasts, occurring 2–3 times per season, involve specialized logistics to accommodate massive neutral-site crowds, often exceeding 80,000 attendees. The production team sets up in adjacent parking lots—such as Lot P at —to facilitate fan interactions, live performances, and segments highlighting rivalry history, while coordinating with local authorities for traffic and security amid the influx of visitors. For rivalry weeks like Georgia-Florida, additional setups include themed decorations, guest appearances from alumni, and extended fan zones to build pregame excitement, differing from the more campus-centric norms of weekly shows. Such events contribute to local economic boosts by encouraging early arrivals and extended stays, amplifying the overall impact of the games themselves. In Jacksonville, the Georgia-Florida weekend generates an estimated $30–40 million annually through visitor spending on hotels, dining, and entertainment, with SEC Nation's live broadcast drawing fans hours before kickoff to enhance the festive atmosphere. A notable example is the 2025 visit to Jacksonville for the November 1 Georgia-Florida clash, where the show aired from Lot P outside EverBank Stadium, spotlighting the intense SEC East matchup and further energizing the city's game-day economy.

Postseason

SEC Nation conducts off-campus broadcasts for select SEC postseason events, primarily the annual and major bowl games featuring SEC teams. Since 2014, the show has originated from , Georgia, near the stadium hosting the championship— since 2017 or the from 2014 to 2016—often at the adjacent to capture the event's atmosphere and fan energy. For bowl games, broadcasts have included the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the in New Orleans, Louisiana, and the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl in , focusing on high-stakes matchups such as semifinals. These special editions, typically numbering 5 to 7 annually, emphasize playoff implications and national narratives, previewing SEC teams' paths in the expanded format. Unlike regular-season episodes, postseason shows feature extended runtimes—often expanding to three hours—to accommodate deeper analysis and live fan interactions at fan fares. To broaden appeal beyond SEC loyalists, the program incorporates guest analysts and dignitaries for a national perspective, such as former players, coaches, and figures like Louisiana Governor during the broadcast. Episodes tied to marquee events, including the between and Georgia, have ranked among the show's most viewed, aligning with the game's record audience of 17.52 million viewers on .

Special Segments

Tebow's Freak of the Week

"Tebow's Freak of the Week" is a weekly segment on SEC Nation launched in 2014, in which host selects and profiles one standout (SEC) football player noted for exceptional, "freakish" athletic traits such as remarkable strength, speed, or . The feature emphasizes physical feats that set the player apart, often drawing on workout metrics, on-field performances, or unique skills to illustrate their elite athleticism. Initially presented as brief verbal highlights during the pregame show, the segment evolved into more comprehensive breakdowns by the late 2010s, incorporating video clips of plays and training sessions, as well as guest appearances from coaches to provide context on the player's development. It continued annually without interruption, adapting to studio formats during the 2020 season, and by 2021 featured enhanced production with on-site filming when possible. Each season culminates in a "Freak of the Year" selection, voted on by fans and Tebow, recognizing the top performer from the weekly honorees. The segment has significantly boosted visibility for lesser-known SEC players, showcasing their potential to a national audience and often correlating with improved draft stock or recognition in awards like the All-SEC team. As Tebow's signature contribution to SEC Nation, it underscores his expertise in evaluating athletic talent from his background as a winner and two-time national champion at the . Selections are made weekly during the regular season, typically aligning with SEC Nation's broadcast schedule. Below is a categorized overview of notable "Freak of the Week" honorees by year, highlighting representative examples of players and their standout attributes.

2014–2019 Selections

  • 2014: (Ole Miss defensive lineman), praised for his explosive pass-rushing ability and 40-inch vertical leap.
  • 2015: Examples included (Georgia running back), noted for his sub-4.5-second time despite his build.
  • 2016: Various linemen and skill players, culminating in a fan-voted Freak of the Year.
  • 2017: Highlighted an "All-Freak Team" mid-season, featuring players like ( running back) for his power-running style.
  • 2018: Derrick Brown (Auburn defensive tackle), recognized for setting school records in max squat (over 600 pounds).; ( cornerback), lauded for elite speed (4.4-second ).; ( offensive lineman), for benching 375 pounds and squatting 650 pounds.
  • 2019: Trey Smith ( offensive guard), selected for his dominant run-blocking and recovery from health challenges.; (Georgia running back), highlighted for his agility and vision.

2021–2025 Selections

  • 2021: Focused on post-pandemic standouts, with examples including linemen demonstrating resilience in strength metrics.
  • 2022: Continued emphasis on versatile athletes, such as edge rushers with exceptional bend and speed.
  • 2023: Notable picks included players contributing to playoff-contending teams, spotlighting their physical edges.
  • 2024: Anthony Hill Jr. (Texas linebacker), featured for his tackling prowess and coach-noted workout intensity (e.g., high-volume reps in the weight room).; T.J. Brown (example from leg day focus), praised for lower-body power.
  • 2025 (as of November 14): Up to Week 11, selections have included various emerging talents amid the expanded SEC, continuing the tradition of profiling standout athletic traits.

Other Segments

In addition to Tebow's Freak of the Week, SEC Nation incorporates recurring segments that emphasize the unique cultural and atmospheric elements of SEC football, often centered on tailgating traditions and fan engagement at each host campus. These segments typically feature the hosts exploring local tailgate setups, interacting with supporters, and showcasing regional customs, such as food, music, and school-specific rituals, to capture the "pageantry" of Southern college football. For instance, during broadcasts from sites like The Junction at Mississippi State or Myers Quad at Georgia, the crew highlights community gatherings and fan stories to build excitement ahead of games. Guest appearances form another key component, bringing in coaches, , and local celebrities for interviews that provide insider perspectives and value. Examples include head coaches like Alabama's joining the set for discussions on team strategies and traditions, often leading to memorable moments with the audience, or meteorologists like contributing weather-related insights tied to game-day conditions. These interactions are tailored to the location, enhancing the show's immersive quality and drawing large crowds. The program also integrates analytical segments led by the hosts, such as Roman Harper's breakdowns of defensive matchups and ' evaluations of quarterback performances and offensive schemes, offering expert previews of upcoming SEC contests. frequently delivers opinion-driven commentary on conference-wide storylines, sparking debates among the panel. In 2024, began testing the generative AI avatar FACTS during episodes to simplify complex analytics, like team stats and projections, using and Azure technologies to deliver data-driven insights in an engaging format. This feature aims to complement traditional while appealing to tech-savvy viewers, though its full integration remains in development.

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  131. https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2025-07-28/2025-sec-championship-game-date-time-tv-channel-history
  132. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8707320/
  133. https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2022/12/sec-network-prepares-for-the-postseason-with-30-hours-of-surround-programming-for-the-college-football-playoff-semifinal-at-the-chick-fil-a-peach-bowl/
  134. https://www.secsports.com/article/39000628/sec-network-reveals-sec-champ-game-postseason-coverage
  135. https://www.facebook.com/SECNetwork/videos/louisiana-governor-jeff-landry-joins-sec-nation-to-discuss-the-decision-to-play-/826996609521334/
  136. https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2023/12/sec-championship-most-watched-alabama-georgia-fsu-acc-viewership/
  137. https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-football/watch-sec-network-unveils-tim-tebows-freak-team/
  138. https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/42563185
  139. https://www.facebook.com/SECNetwork/videos/sec-nation-freak-of-the-week/2210863432500365/
  140. https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/news/college-football/tim-tebow-names-his-freak-of-the-year-for-2019/
  141. https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/news/college-football/fans-tim-tebow-vote-secs-freak-year/
  142. https://247sports.com/article/tim-tebow-reveals-secs-all-freak-team-111307370/
  143. https://twitter.com/SEC/status/523506311757955073
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  145. https://www.facebook.com/SECNetwork/videos/781616795504003/
  146. https://www.facebook.com/SECNetwork/posts/he-benches-375-lbs-and-back-squats-650-lbs-this-man-is-a-freaktim-tebows-freak-o/866093903561352/
  147. https://www.facebook.com/SECNetwork/videos/tim-tebows-freak-of-the-week-secnation/400269950662913/
  148. https://www.facebook.com/SECNetwork/videos/freak-of-the-week-dandre-swift-and-his-dad-darren-swift-secnation/933126900381906/
  149. https://www.facebook.com/SECNetwork/videos/freak-of-the-week-is-back-/2677284762454216/
  150. https://www.redandblack.com/sports/sec-nation-returns-to-athens-for-georgia-texas-matchup/article_8c4fb677-5864-47a9-a96b-99d6100bc4a3.html
  151. https://www.thewrap.com/espn-sec-nation-generative-ai-avatar-facts/
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