The Vanderbilt Commodores Lose Their Star Wide Receiver to the Transfer Portal. He Has 1 Year Left of Eligibility.

Will Sheppard announced on X that he will be entering the transfer portal:

“I would like to start off by thanking Coach Mason for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my dreams. Thank you to the teammates and ones who stuck by me and kept it real from start to finish. I’ve created bonds that will last forever. Finally, thank you to my family for believing in me and supporting me every day.

With that being said I will be entering my name into the transfer portal and am excited for the next step in reaching the ultimate goal.”

Sheppard committed to Vanderbilt for the 2020 season.

Sheppard committed to Vanderbilt for the 2020 season as a three-star recruit. Sheppard played in seven games during his freshman season, recording two receptions for 30 yards.

Sheppard took over as the starting wide receiver in 2021 and started since.

Sheppard took over as the starting receiver in his sophomore season. He had 43 receptions for 577 yards and four touchdowns. He was second in receptions and yards and was tied for the most receiving touchdowns on the team.

Sheppard broke out in his junior season, recording 60 receptions for 776 yards and nine receiving touchdowns, leading the team in all three receiving categories. He was named 2nd-Team All-SEC by the AP and 3rd-Team All-SEC by Phil Steele.

Sheppard had another solid season as a senior, recording 47 receptions for 684 yards and eight receiving touchdowns, once again leading the team in all three receiving categories. He was named the Midseason All-American Third-Team by College Football Network, and Midseason All-SEC 1st-Team by College Football Network.

Sheppard finished his career with Vanderbilt 7th all-time in receptions and receiving yards and fourth all-time in receiving touchdowns in team history.

How will Sheppard’s transfer impact Vanderbilt?

Vanderbilt will be negatively impacted by Will Sheppard transferring because he was their best wide receiver on the team. Ever since his sophomore season, he’s been one of their best offensive weapons. Vanderbilt will have a difficult time finding their next great wide receiver considering how poorly Vanderbilt has performed in recent history.

If Sheppard doesn’t want to play for the team, then who does?

What will the future hold for Sheppard?

Expect many teams to be interested in recruiting Sheppard. Auburn has already offered the talented wide receiver.

Will other teams try to compete with Auburn and convince him to commit somewhere else and play with a contending team? We shall see.