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SEC Media Days 2024: Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer debuts, Oklahoma and Texas joining league lead storylines to watch

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SEC Media Days 2024: Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer debuts, Oklahoma and Texas joining league lead storylines to watch


SEC Media Days begins Monday on a new frontier, as the freshly expanded conference gathers in Dallas to usher in a new era for a league that now includes Oklahoma and Texas. The arrival of the Sooners and Longhorns makes the SEC a 16-team super conference replete with an even greater share of college football’s top brands.

That’s only the beginning of the changes for the league entering the 2024 season. Gone from the sidelines — and from the speaking podium — is Nick Saban. The absence of Alabama’s retired legend and his annual headline-grabbing address to the college football world will leave a void that no single coach can fill. 

But as Saban departs, fresh blood enters. In addition to the arrivals of OU’s Brent Venables and Texas’ Steve Sarkisian to the league’s coaching vanguard, three schools are welcoming new head coaches. Among them is Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer, who will take the podium on Wednesday during the event’s third day. 

The other new coaches are Mike Elko of Texas A&M and Jeff Lebby of Mississippi State. While both are familiar with the SEC from their time as coordinators in the conference, they’ll be making their SEC Media Days debuts and establishing the narratives surrounding their teams for the upcoming season.

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It’s a new day in college football and in the SEC. Here’s a deeper dive into what to watch for at SEC Media Days which begins Monday and concludes Thursday.

A new frontier

Oklahoma and Texas grew accustomed to being the top attractions at Big 12 Media Days. They were the standard-bearers of their old league, combining to win seven of the last nine Big 12 championships. Now, the Sooners and Longhorns have something to prove as they embark on Year 1 in the SEC.

OU won 10 or more games 19 times in the first 24 seasons of the millennium while members of the Big 12. Will they be able to maintain that elite standard in the SEC? The Sooners took a big step forward last season in Venables’ second season by finishing 10-3. But Venables is replacing both coordinators and his starting quarterback while preparing to face a daunting schedule. Will he try to moderate expectations?

Texas is entering the SEC fresh off its first Big 12 title since 2009. The Longhorns reached the College Football Playoff and return a Heisman Trophy contender at quarterback in Quinn Ewers. The Longhorns have also drawn a favorable conference slate for their first season in the league, and it will be interesting to see how much bravado they project as SEC Media Days rolls through their home state.

DeBoer’s debut

Three years ago, DeBoer was heading to Mountain West media days as Fresno State’s head coach. The lights are a bit brighter now as DeBoer’s rapid rise through the coaching ranks reaches its zenith at Alabama. DeBoer just led Washington to a 25-3 mark over a remarkable two-year stint and has amassed a 104-12 record across nine seasons as a head coach at the NAIA, Group of Five and power conference levels.

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But DeBoer has never worked in the SEC in any capacity, and following Saban places him under a level of scrutiny unlike anything he’s experienced. His first SEC Media Days appearance is a meaningful milestone that offers DeBoer a chance to steer the national conversation around his tenure and Alabama’s 2024 team.

Stars in the making

A handful of SEC quarterbacks who have bided their time as backups in the conference will get the chance to shine in 2024. Among them are Oklahoma’s Jackson Arnold and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, who will be on hand for SEC Media Days.

Arnold, a sophomore, is a former five-star prospect who started OU’s Alamo Bowl loss to Arizona in December after playing sparingly in mop-up duty behind Dillon Gabriel as a freshman. With Gabriel gone to Oregon, the job is his. Venables’ decision to bring Arnold as the lone player representative from Oklahoma’s offense illustrates how important he’ll be to the Sooners’ hopes of early success in the SEC.

Nussmeier, a redshirt junior, brings more experience to the table but has even bigger shoes to fill than Arnold. His job is to replace Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, who accounted for 50 touchdowns and nearly 5,000 total yards in 12 games last season. He’s waited his turn. Now, before he faces the onslaught of pass rushers, he’ll face an onslaught of questions as one of LSU’s three player representatives at media days.

Redemption narrative?

Georgia completed a third consecutive unbeaten regular season in league play last season but was denied the opportunity at a national title three-peat because of a loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship Game. Are the Bulldogs using the frustration of that missed opportunity as fuel? Or have they put it behind them to focus exclusively on what’s ahead in 2024?

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Georgia coach Kirby Smart is a master motivator and is clearly sitting atop college football’s coaching pyramid now amid the departures of Saban and Jim Harbaugh from Michigan. It will be interesting to learn what tactics he’s using to fuel a program that is 42-2 over the past three seasons.

Back for more

Ole Miss and Missouri each enjoyed banner years in 2023, finishing 11-2 with New Year’s Six bowl victories. It was the best win total in program history for the Rebels and the best season in a decade for the Tigers. Coaches Lane Kiffin (Ole Miss) and Eli Drinkwitz (Missouri) are among the league’s more entertaining characters. Now, they have some significant success to tout as they prepare for College Football Playoff runs in the season ahead.

Both teams have enough continuity in key spots to realistically compete at the highest level in the SEC and for CFP access. Will Kiffin and Drinkwitz play it cool? Or are they going to put their cards on the table and declare their grand ambitions for the 2024 season?

Feeling the pressure 

A handful of SEC coaches are feeling the pressure entering the season, perhaps none more than Arkansas’ Sam Pittman. On the heels of a 4-8 campaign, Pittman registered as the only “5” in Dennis Dodd’s 2024 hot seat rankings. Category 5 is for those in the position of “win or be fired.” Winning won’t be easy for the Razorbacks, who travel to Oklahoma State in Week 2, in addition to facing the usual SEC gauntlet. Expect one of the top talking points during Pittman’s appearance on Thursday to be his hiring of former Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino as offensive coordinator. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

Pittman isn’t alone on the hot seat. Vanderbilt’s Clark Lea and Florida’s Billy Napier each registered at “4” in Dodd’s hot seat rankings, meaning they need to “start improving now.”

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Oklahoma Ford Sports Blitz: June 28, 2026

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Oklahoma Ford Sports Blitz: June 28, 2026


In this week’s Your Vote Counts, Oklahoma’s Own Scott Mitchell leads Jason Dunnington and Sen. Paul Rosino in a discussion about new Oklahoma laws, including those addressing data centers. Other topics include inflation and the ongoing impact of the war in Iran.





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Where to find July 4th fireworks, festivals, and family fun in Oklahoma

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Where to find July 4th fireworks, festivals, and family fun in Oklahoma


Looking for the perfect spot to celebrate Independence Day in Oklahoma this year? From massive fireworks displays over Grand Lake to food truck festivals and live music across the OKC metro, communities are pulling out all the stops to celebrate the Declaration of Independence. Grab your lawn chairs, round up the family, and get ready for an unforgettable week of summer fun. Here is your ultimate guide to the best Fourth of July events happening right in your backyard!

Key takeaways

  • The bigger picture: Oklahoma communities are going all out for Independence Day in 2026, with celebrations spanning from Norman’s four-day Fourth Fest to major fireworks displays in Edmond, Tulsa, and on Grand Lake — giving families across the state plenty of options close to home.
  • More details: Highlights include Liberty Fest in Edmond, one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area, the Duck Creek Fireworks on Grand Lake featuring a War Bird flyover tribute synchronized to patriotic music, and Tribute to Liberty in Midwest City, which combines live music, a laser show, and fireworks in honor of the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary.
  • Why this matters: This year’s celebrations carry extra weight as part of America’s semiquincentennial, with several events — including Tribute to Liberty and the Duck Creek Fireworks — built around honoring both the nation’s founding and the service members who’ve defended it.
  • Date: 9:45 p.m. July 1-4
  • Location: Reaves Park; 2501 S Jenkins Ave., Norman

This year’s Fourth Fest is bigger than ever before, spanning four days. The city has added additional programming across multiple parks. Before the fireworks, enjoy a wide range of attractions including bouncy houses, local vendors, food trucks, pony rides, and a petting zoo. The fireworks show begins at 9:45 p.m. on July 4.

  • Date: 8:30 p.m. July 3
  • Location: Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., Oklahoma City

OKCPHIL’s Red, White, and Boom concert is a high-energy celebration that brings the community together for an unforgettable summer evening of music. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic performs a vibrant program of American classics, fan favorites, and patriotic anthems.

  • Date: 6-10 p.m. July 3
  • Location: Boomer Lake Park; 2310 E Lakeview Road, Stillwater

This Independence Day celebration will include area vendors, food trucks, hometown hospitality, and a fireworks show. Free parking will be available at Stillwater High School’s Pioneer Stadium.

  • Date: July 3-4
  • Location: Yukon City Park & Chisholm Trail Park, 2200 S Holly Ave., Yukon

Bring the whole family to Freedom Fest in Yukon! Experience a lineup of live outdoor concerts, peruse the food trucks on site, and enjoy the activities for kids.

  • Date: 2-10 p.m. July 4
  • Location: Buck Thomas Park, 1903 NE 12th St., Moore

Enjoy one of the largest fireworks shows in the state with food trucks, vendors, and activities throughout the day. Admission is free. Fireworks will begin around 9:45 p.m.

  • Date: 7-10 p.m. July 4
  • Location: Joe B. Barnes Regional Park, 8700 E Reno Ave., Midwest City

Bring your chairs and join Midwest City in its celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy food trucks, games, The Wise Guys performing live on stage, a huge fireworks display, and a laser show.

  • Date: 9:30 p.m. July 4
  • Location: University of Central Oklahoma; 100 N University Drive, Edmond

Liberty Fest’s grand finale is one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area. Bring your entire family to witness the spectacular show. Parking is available in lots on campus.

  • Date: July 4
  • Location: Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, 32888 S 4507 Road, No. 8123, Afton

Duck Creek Fireworks is the longest-running tradition on Grand Lake. Keep an eye out for the highly anticipated War Bird flyover, a tribute to the men and women serving overseas. The fireworks, beginning at sunset, will be synchronized to patriotic music.

  • Date: July 4
  • Location: River West Festival Park, 2100 S Jackson Ave., Tulsa

Celebrate America’s independence at Tulsa’s annual FreedomFest celebration. This celebration includes all-ages entertainment and a variety of activities and tasty concessions. FreedomFest features one of the largest free fireworks displays in Oklahoma.





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Oklahoma Lottery Powerball, Lotto America results for June 27, 2026

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Oklahoma Lottery Powerball, Lotto America results for June 27, 2026


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The Oklahoma Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at June 27, 2026, results for each game:

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Winning Powerball numbers from June 27 drawing

03-16-28-30-59, Powerball: 11, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from June 27 drawing

03-08-18-22-39, Star Ball: 06, ASB: 02

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from June 27 drawing

3-6-9

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Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 5 numbers from June 27 drawing

15-17-20-25-26

Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from June 27 drawing

02-26-34-43-45, Powerball: 15

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from June 27 drawing

26-32-38-51-52, Bonus: 05

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

  • Sign Your Ticket: Please make sure to sign and complete the back of your ticket
  • You have 180 days from the draw date to claim your prize.
  • Prizes up to $600: Can be claimed at any Oklahoma Lottery retailer or at the Oklahoma Lottery Winner Center, located at 300 N. Broadway in downtown Oklahoma City. Hours of operation are Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 4:00 pm.
  • Prizes from $601 to $49,999: These can be claimed at the Oklahoma Lottery Winner Center or by mail. Payments can be issued as a check or direct deposit (ACH). Claiming in person requires a photo of the front and back of the winning ticket, a valid ID, official proof of Social Security number and a completed claim form.
  • Prizes of $50,000 or more: These can be claimed in person at the Oklahoma Lottery Winner Center or by mail. Payment options include check or ACH. Bring a photo of the front and back of the winning ticket, proof of Social Security number, a completed claim form, and valid ID.

Mail-in Claims: Mail the original signed ticket and a completed claim form to the Oklahoma Lottery, P.O. Box 548810, Oklahoma City, OK 73154. For direct deposit, include a voided check or bank letter with your account details. Non-winning tickets are not accepted, and Oklahoma Lottery assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen mail.

For additional details, refer to the official Oklahoma Lottery claim page.

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When are the Oklahoma Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • MEGA Millions: 10 p.m. CT Tuesday and Friday.
  • Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily
  • Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Pick 3: 9:10 p.m. CT daily.
  • Cash 5: 9:10 p.m. CT daily.
  • Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Oklahoma editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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