How Richie Hoskins Earned Starting Role Despite Vanderbilt's Receiver Additions

Nashville—Former walk-on receiver Richie Hoskins had every opportunity to get pushed out of the rotation in a deeper room–and frankly a room with more talented options–but as Vanderbilt’s communications personnel handed out its first depth chart of the 2025 season, there he was. 

In the second wide receiver slot, it wasn’t talented New Mexico State transfer Trent Hudson or three-way standout Martel Hight, it was Hoskins. Hoskins didn’t do it with all that many dazzling catches or standout speed, but he did it. He’ll be out there early and often right away for Vanderbilt. 

“He is consistent,” Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea said. “He’s got the attitude that you want out there. He’s become one of the most trusted targets in that room and obviously there’s a few guys now that Diego [Pavia] feels really comfortable with and we can feature in our offense. Richie’s kind of one of the forgotten ones.” 

It wouldn’t be any other way for the Vanderbilt receiver, it seems. The story has been told, but is worth telling again. Hoskins started his career at Middlebury College, bet on himself by walking on at Vanderbilt as a sophomore and started to find his way on the field throughout that lost season. 

Vanderbilt’s program has since improved, but Hoskins hasn’t gotten lost in the shuffle. He’s risen. How? 

“The walk-on mentality led me to any success I’ve ever had,” Hoskins said at Vanderbilt’s media day while subsequently playing the role of advocate for players like him who are becoming increasingly less prevalent in the current landscape of college football. “There’s [walk-ons] on the team who have contributed in big games and done really good stuff for us. Some of my best friends are walk-ons. Being a walk-on, having that mentality is everything.” 

Hoskins is perhaps the most prominent of the group and is the epitome of what a successful member of it looks like. He blocks. He “runs until his legs fall off” as Vanderbilt offensive coordinator Tim Beck says. He always brings it in practice and scrimmage settings. He’s a leader.