2025 Vanderbilt Football Season Preview: Back To A Bowl Game?

Storylines Entering the Season

• Pavia’s Return and Offensive Line Rebuild: A major boost for Vanderbilt is the return of star quarterback Diego Pavia, whose eligibility was extended. To protect him and bolster the run game, the Commodores heavily invested in the transfer portal for offensive linemen, bringing in four new starters. The cohesion of this revamped unit will be critical to succeed in the SEC.
• New Defensive Coordinator: Clark Lea has relinquished his defensive coordinator duties, promoting Steve Gregory. While the scheme is expected to remain similar, the impact of a new play-caller on a defense that returns a deep front seven but has questions in the secondary will be a key storyline.
• Deep Defensive Front: Despite losing some veteran safeties, Vanderbilt boasts an unusually deep defensive front, with at least nine proven linemen. Their ability to hold up against the run and generate a more consistent pass rush will be vital for improving a defense that struggled with third-down stops in 2024.
• Special Teams Excellence: Vanderbilt’s special teams were ranked among the nation’s best in 2024. The return of top kicker Brock Taylor and punter Nick Haberer, along with elite returner Martel Hight, suggests this unit will continue to be a strength.
• Navigating a Tough SEC Schedule: As always, Vanderbilt faces a challenging SEC slate, including road trips to Alabama, Texas, and Tennessee, and home games against LSU, Missouri, and Auburn. Finding wins in conference play will be a significant challenge.

Vanderbilt Key Players

• Diego Pavia (QB, Gr.): The undisputed leader of the offense. His dual-threat ability (nearly 2,300 passing yards, 20 TDs, 801 rushing yards, 8 TDs in 2024) and competitive attitude are invaluable. His extended eligibility is a game-changer for the Commodores.
• Eli Stowers (TE, Gr.): Vanderbilt’s top offensive weapon, Stowers opted to return instead of declaring for the NFL Draft. He will be a primary target for Pavia and a crucial piece of the passing game.
• Randon Fontenette (S/OLB, Jr.): The defense’s best player, Fontenette excels in his hybrid role, making 73 tackles, 8 TFLs, and 8 pass breakups in 2024. He’s a versatile playmaker.
• Khordae Sydnor (DE, Gr.): A veteran edge rusher, Sydnor’s ability to generate sacks will be vital for improving Vanderbilt’s pass rush.
• Sedrick Alexander (RB, Jr.): Expected to lead the backfield after rushing for 585 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2024. He’ll need improved blocking from the new offensive line.
• Jordan White (C/OG, Gr.): A key transfer from Liberty, White brings versatility and an “all-star caliber” presence to the interior of the offensive line, which is undergoing a significant overhaul.
• Martel Hight (CB, Jr.): A solid cornerback who will also be an elite punt returner, providing a spark in the special teams game.

Vanderbilt Depth Chart (Projected)

Offense

• QB: Diego Pavia (Gr.) / Blaze Berlowitz (R-So.)
• RB: Sedrick Alexander (Jr.) / Makhilyn Young (R-So.) / AJ Newberry (R-So.)
• WR (X): Junior Sherrill (Jr.) / Martel Hight (Jr.)
• WR (Z): Trent Hudson (Gr.) / Chance Fitzgerald (R-So.)
• WR (Slot): Tre Richardson (Jr.) / Richie Hoskins (Gr.)
• TE: Eli Stowers (Gr.) / Cole Spence (R-Jr.)
• LT: Isaia Glass (Gr.) / Orion Irving (R-Jr.)
• LG: Sterling Porcher (R-Sr.) / Kevo Wesley (Gr.)
• C: Jordan White (Gr.) / Cade McConnell (R-Jr.)
• RG: Chase Mitchell (Gr.) / Gunner Givens (R-Jr.)
• RT: Bryce Henderson (Gr.) / Clinton Azubuike (So.)

Defense

• DE: Khordae Sydnor (Gr.) / Linus Zunk (R-Jr.)
• NT: Glenn Seabrooks III (So.) / Aaron Bryant (R-Jr.)
• DT: Yilanan Ouattara (Sr.) / Mason Nelson (Gr.)
• RAZOR (EDGE): Miles Capers (Gr.) / Keanu Koht (R-Sr.)
• WLB: Bryce Cowan (R-Jr.) / Nick Rinaldi (R-Jr.)
• MLB: Langston Patterson (Sr.) / Bryan Longwell (Jr.)
• STAR (Hybrid S/OLB): Randon Fontenette (Jr.) / Vanzale Hinton (Fr.)
• FCB: Martel Hight (Jr.) / Marlon Jones (Gr.)
• FS: Marlen Sewell (Gr.) / Dontae Carter (So.)
• BS: CJ Heard (So.) / Carson Lawrence (Fr.)
• BCB: Jaylin Lackey (So.) / Mark Davis (Gr.)

Special Teams

• K: Brock Taylor (R-So.)
• P: Nick Haberer (Gr.)
• PR: Martel Hight (Jr.)
• KR: Tre Richardson (Jr.) / Junior Sherrill (Jr.)

Vanderbilt Full Schedule

Key Games Focus

Here are 2-3 key games that could define Vanderbilt’s 2025 season:

1. September 6 at Virginia Tech: This early non-conference road game against a Power Four opponent is a significant test for the Commodores. A strong showing, or even an upset, would provide a huge confidence boost and signal that Vanderbilt is ready to compete at a higher level before diving into the SEC schedule.
2. October 4 at Alabama: While a monumental challenge, this road game against one of the SEC’s titans is a chance for Vanderbilt to measure its progress. Even a competitive performance, regardless of the outcome, would be a positive sign for the program’s trajectory under Clark Lea. It’s a prime opportunity to show resilience against elite competition.
3. November 22 vs. Kentucky: This late-season home game against a familiar SEC East foe could be crucial for bowl eligibility. Vanderbilt defeated Kentucky in 2024, and securing another victory against a conference rival at home would be a significant step forward and provide momentum heading into the final week of the season.