BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The excitement was palpable as the Southeastern Conference (SEC) office revealed that nine remarkable athletes from the Tennessee track and field program have earned prestigious All-Conference honors following their outstanding performances at the 2025 SEC Outdoor Championships.
Celebrating Excellence: All-SEC Recognitions
First Team All-SEC: A New Era of Champions
In a thrilling display of talent, individual and relay conference champions were honored as first team All-SEC members, while silver and bronze medalists received second and third-team honors, respectively. Among these elite athletes, rookie sensation Saad Hinti shone brightly. In his SEC Championship debut, he smashed through the competition, securing the men’s 400-meter hurdles title with an astounding lifetime-best performance of 48.44 seconds. Not only did this time set a Moroccan national record, but it also ranks him second overall in the NCAA.
But Hinti wasn’t the only one making waves. The men’s 4×100-meter relay team—comprised of Deron Dudley, Davonte Howell, Kalib Branch, and T’Mars McCallum—displayed unparalleled synergy, clinching gold with a school-record time of 38.20 seconds. This performance not only established a 2025 collegiate lead but also etched Tennessee’s name as the No. 6 program in the event’s history.
Second Team All-SEC: A Standout Performance
Cade Gray, a redshirt junior, showcased his prowess by earning second team All-SEC recognition after a stellar second-place finish in the men’s pole vault. Clearing an outdoor lifetime-best height of 5.55 meters (18-2.5), Gray’s achievement marked Tennessee’s best finish in this event at the SEC Outdoor Championships since 2016.
Third Team All-SEC: Rising Stars
Tennessee’s athletes made their mark by securing three individual third-place finishes, leading to All-SEC third team recognition for each. Nick Reynolds claimed bronze in the men’s javelin with a lifetime-best effort of 76.69 meters (251-7), ranking as the No. 2 U.S. under-20 performance of all time. Zach Jaeger delighted fans with a thrilling kick in the men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase, earning bronze with a time of 8:45.40—a commendable achievement that brought UT its first medal in this event since 2022. Also impressing was rookie Donna Douglas, who captured third in the discus with a remarkable throw of 56.45 meters (185-2) on the meet’s final day.
All-SEC Honors Breakdown
2025 All-SEC Team – Men’s Outdoor Track & Field
First Team
- Saad Hinti, Tennessee
- Deron Dudley, Tennessee
- Davonte Howell, Tennessee
- Kalib Branch, Tennessee
- T’Mars McCallum, Tennessee
- Other notable athletes include names like Jordan Anthony (Arkansas) and Shemar Chambers (Georgia).
Second Team
- Cade Gray, Tennessee
- Additional honorees include Kanyinsola Ajayi (Auburn) and Moustafa Alsherif (Georgia).
Third Team
- Zach Jaeger, Tennessee
- Nick Reynolds, Tennessee
- Other standouts include Malcolm Clemons (Florida) and Robert Decker (Alabama).
2025 All-SEC Team – Women’s Outdoor Track & Field
First Team
- Akala Garrett, Texas
- Donna Douglas, Tennessee has also made her mark here among other elite female athletes.
Second Team
- Tima Godbless, LSU and Michelle Smith, Georgia join the ranks alongside several other talented competitors.
Third Team
- Notables like Heather Abadie (Texas A&M) and Bria Bullard (Texas A&M) round out this talented cohort, with Donna Douglas again making significant contributions.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
The 2025 SEC Outdoor Championships have showcased not only the exceptional talent within the Tennessee track and field program but also the tremendous potential for future success. With young athletes like Saad Hinti and Donna Douglas leading the charge, the future looks incredibly bright for the Volunteers. These accomplishments serve as a strong foundation for what promises to be a thrilling season ahead for both men’s and women’s track and field at Tennessee.
For further details on college track and field events, visit NCAA Track and Field.
