When you think of college athletics, some of the best and most talented athletes in the world don the colors of the colleges of the SEC – from football, to track and field, gymnastics and so much more.
And in the second installment of SEC Start Up, several of these student-athletes proved that excellence is not limited to achievements on the field or the court; it extends to excellence in the business world, as well.
SEC Start Up is now in its second year and is a student-athlete pitch competition, designed to foster entrepreneurship. Student-athletes from various schools in the SEC compete to be a part of the event, which provides a forum in which a panel of judges evaluate their business ideas and plans. The event is recorded and shown during SEC College Football Media Days, providing exposure for the student entrepreneurs and an opportunity to gain feedback that will ultimately support the growth and development of their businesses.
Winners are selected by the team of judges based on their business plans and pitch presentations.
The academic competition is in partnership with Regions, the official bank of the SEC, in support of the entrepreneurial ventures of student-athletes.
This year, SEC Start Up will air July 14 at 7 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT on SEC Network.
Competitors for 2025 include:
- Liam Heary and Harrison Ranier, Auburn University Swimming & Diving
Planet of Snacks – Importing international snacks to the U.S. so people can enjoy familiar favorites from home.
- Joaquin Gonzalez Pinero, University of Florida Swimming & Diving
Musa Coffee – Bringing superior quality coffee to the U.S. from his family’s farm in Colombia.
- Cole Piotrowski, Ole Miss Track and Field
Godors – Athletic gear spray targeted towards clothing post-workout by removing odor instead of covering it up.
- Mohamed Elgouhari, University of Oklahoma, Wrestling
Gametime Rehab – App that supports recovery through targeted workouts and support of personal fitness coaches.
- Caleb Surber, Texas A&M, Football
Locker12 – Website lets fans purchase exclusive, team-issued gear directly from former student-athletes.
Judges included
- Dari Nowkhah – Host
Host and anchor on SEC Network, regularly appearing on SEC Now throughout the week.
- Leroy Abrahams
Senior executive at Regions Bank, serving as head of Community Affairs.
- Daymeon Fishback
Businessman and former basketball player at Auburn University and a respected on-air basketball analyst for ESPN and the SEC Network.
- Emily Loftiss
A charismatic television personality who shares her passion for fashion and beauty through her unique brand, Everyday Glam.
- Jesslyn Rollins
The CEO of BIOLYTE, a rapidly growing hydration beverage company she began building in 2017.
Check back after the show airs on July 14 to find out who won the second SEC Start Up.