Alabama football opens the show on Day 3 of SEC Media Days. Nick Saban steps up to the podium at approximately 9:05 a.m. CST and then JC Latham, Kool-Aid McKinstry and Dallas Turner will have their individual press availabilities.

There is a set of topics Crimson Tide fans are eager to learn about, the most obvious being the status of the starting quarterback position. But the dog-and-pony show of media days rarely leads to substantive information about strategies or game plans. That being said, here’s what the Alabama contingent is likely to talk about, and the questions they’ll try to avoid at the Nashville Grand Hyatt.

Don’t expect: Clear updates on Alabama’s QB1 battle

For the first time since Jalen Hurts emerged in 2016, it’s unclear who’s going to be running the Crimson Tide offense. Seven years later, the candidates have earned headlines as Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson and Tyler Buchner vie for the leading role. Saban may disclose how Notre Dame transfer Buchner has adapted to Tuscaloosa in his short time there or about the growth Milroe and Simpson this summer. But don’t expect a tip on who’s winning or who has the best odds.

At his last press event in May, Saban spoke about the reps UA will need to make sure to spread out during its competition. He can be expected to keep the same talking points on Wednesday.

Do expect: Saban to discuss the sport’s biggest topics

The debate around name, image and likeness has only grown since Saban took the podium a year ago. In the interim, Saban has talked about the regulation needed on NIL and illegal pay-for-play deals. He even joined SEC commissioner Greg Sankey on a trip to Congress in June.

Reporters will be sure to ask Saban about that trip as well as the other major topics concerning the conference like scheduling, the expanded playoff and the arrival of Oklahoma and Texas in 2024.

Don’t expect: Hints about the Tide’s depth chart

Saban will probably refrain from discussing Alabama’s depth chart. Saban’s disdain for publicly labeling starters and backups isn’t anything new, but that won’t stop reporters from inquiring about the Tide’s new left tackle or inside linebacker.

As Saban has constantly repeated, Alabama’s program is rooted in competition. Players have to earn their spot and that’ll presumably be the message as the team heads into fall camp in a couple of weeks.

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Do expect: Praise for some of the underclassmen and newcomers

Another staple of an Alabama press conference is when asked about a specific player’s ability, teammates will quickly address the subject and then expand on the position group overall. The common thread? No one player is bigger than the team. For example, when Latham, McKinstry and Turner face questions about the quarterback competition they’re likely to express their confidence in whoever is out there Week 1.

The flip side of that is getting comments on multiple players, namely the fresh faces that have found themselves in Tuscaloosa. It’s no surprise that the representatives UA brought are all their respective leaders at their positions. How are Jaylen Key and Trey Amos adjusting to the secondary? What are first-year running backs Justice Haynes and Richard Young up to? We’ll partially find out tomorrow.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].