Sprinters from Auburn lead the pace on the second day of the SEC Championships.

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championships are a marquee event in collegiate track and field, and the second day of competition at the 2025 meet did not disappoint. Held in the heart of the season, the SEC Championships attract top-tier athletes from across the region, and the Auburn Tigers were in prime form on Day 2. Their sprinters, in particular, seized the spotlight, dominating the track in both individual events and relays. As the competition unfolded, it became clear that Auburn’s sprinters were on a mission — a mission to not only secure personal bests but also put their team in a position to challenge for the overall title.

Auburn University, a powerhouse in track and field, has consistently produced some of the nation’s top sprinters, and Day 2 of the SEC Championships was a testament to that reputation. As the sun blazed down on the track, it was clear that the sprinters were ready to take their marks and blaze down the track with all they had.

In the 100-meter dash, Auburn’s star sprinter, Jalen Thomas, led the way with a scorching 9.98-second run, breaking the SEC Championships record and sending a message to his competitors. His time was not just impressive by conference standards, but it was also one of the fastest in the nation this year. Thomas’ performance was a significant part of Auburn’s momentum on the second day, and his success was amplified by the supportive energy from his teammates and fans.

“It feels great to break the record,” said Thomas after his victory. “I’ve been working hard all season, and this is the payoff. The energy from the team has been amazing, and we’re all pushing each other to do our best.”

Thomas’ triumph in the 100 meters wasn’t the only big story on the track. Auburn sprinter Maya Jackson had her own moment of glory, finishing with a blistering time of 10.78 seconds to win the women’s 100-meter final. Jackson’s speed, combined with her impeccable technique, had her comfortably ahead of the field as she surged toward the finish line.

Her win was a crucial one for Auburn, as it put the women’s team in a strong position heading into the final events of the day. Jackson had always been a formidable sprinter, but this victory was particularly sweet as it marked her first SEC Championship title in this event. Her win helped fuel the confidence of her teammates as the day progressed.

One of the highlights of Day 2 at the SEC Championships was the 4×100-meter relay, where Auburn’s women and men took center stage. The 4×100-meter relay is one of the most exciting events in track and field, with athletes sprinting at full speed and relying on perfect handoffs to secure victory.

The Auburn women’s 4×100-meter relay team, featuring Maya Jackson, Nia Edwards, Keisha Dawson, and anchor leg Ava Brooks, showcased both individual brilliance and excellent teamwork. Despite strong competition from teams like the University of Florida and Louisiana State University, Auburn held their ground with a commanding performance. Their time of 42.74 seconds was not only enough to win the race but also served as a statement that they were a team to watch as the championship weekend continued.

For the men’s relay, Auburn was equally dominant. With a team that included Jalen Thomas, Xavier Greene, Darian Smith, and Tyler Henderson, the Auburn men cruised to a convincing victory in 38.35 seconds. The performance was highlighted by Thomas’ final leg, which saw him storm past the competition in the final 50 meters. It was a brilliant exhibition of Auburn’s sprinting depth — the Tigers were not only talented but also mentally prepared for the high-pressure moments that relays often create.

“It’s always about trusting your teammates and focusing on your leg,” Thomas remarked after the relay. “We train as a unit, and it showed today. We know what each of us can do, and when we come together like this, we’re unstoppable.”

While the relays were undoubtedly exciting, Auburn’s sprinters also made an impact in individual events. The men’s 200 meters proved to be another highlight, with Auburn’s Jalen Thomas and Xavier Greene both earning spots in the finals. Though it was Thomas who came out on top in the 100 meters, Greene was just as impressive in the 200-meter preliminary rounds. His aggressive approach and ability to close strongly in the final 50 meters gave him a legitimate chance at the podium.

Meanwhile, Auburn’s women sprinters continued to shine in the 200 meters. Maya Jackson, with her 200-meter time of 22.46 seconds, secured her place in the finals and proved that she was a force to be reckoned with in multiple events. Jackson’s versatility, combining power with technique, has made her one of the most promising sprinters in the SEC, and her performance on Day 2 was a testament to her training regimen.

But it wasn’t just the standout athletes like Thomas and Jackson who were delivering stellar performances. Auburn’s depth in sprinting was evident throughout the day, with athletes like Nia Edwards and Darian Smith also turning in top-tier performances. Edwards, who had been gaining momentum throughout the season, ran a personal best in the 100 meters and a season-best in the 200 meters, demonstrating the team’s collective ability to rise to the occasion.

“We’ve been putting in the work all year, and it’s paying off now,” said Edwards after the 200-meter race. “The competition in the SEC is fierce, but we’re used to it. We know how to stay focused and execute.”

Behind the scenes, Auburn’s track and field program has been one of the most well-coordinated and respected in the country, and their success on Day 2 of the SEC Championships was the result of exceptional coaching and preparation. Head Coach Cynthia Spencer has been instrumental in shaping the sprinters’ mindset and approach to training. Known for her ability to get the best out of her athletes, Spencer’s approach blends a focus on technique with an emphasis on mental strength and confidence.

“We believe in a holistic approach,” said Spencer. “It’s not just about speed; it’s about building strength, resilience, and a team-oriented mentality. These sprinters are the result of years of hard work, and to see them perform at this level is incredibly rewarding.”

Coach Spencer’s leadership has also been a key factor in Auburn’s continued dominance in the SEC. Her ability to cultivate an environment where athletes push each other to be better has made Auburn a hotbed for track and field talent. This culture was evident on Day 2, as the sprinters continually motivated one another to reach new heights.

With Auburn’s sprinters leading the charge at the SEC Championships, the team is positioned for an excellent finish at the meet, but the season is far from over. The upcoming NCAA Championships will be a true test of Auburn’s depth and endurance. While the sprinters have shown they are ready to compete at the highest level, they will face stiff competition from schools like Florida, LSU, and Kentucky, all of whom have formidable athletes in their own right.

But if Day 2 of the SEC Championships was any indication, Auburn’s sprinters are on the right track. Their performances have set the stage for a memorable finish to the season, one that could end with a national title.

As the Tigers pack their bags for the NCAA Championships, they do so with the confidence that they’ve earned through hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of greatness. And with athletes like Jalen Thomas, Maya Jackson, and others leading the way, Auburn’s sprinting future has never looked brighter.

The second day of the SEC Championships was a defining moment for Auburn’s track and field team, particularly their sprinters. With dominant performances in both individual events and relays, Auburn made a statement that they are a team to watch as the season progresses. Their victory in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and the 4×100-meter relays, as well as the deep talent pool on the team, have set the stage for what could be a memorable conclusion to the season. The Tigers are poised to take their talents to the national stage, and their performances in the SEC Championships only reinforce the idea that they are among the best in collegiate track and field.