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Vanderbilt Football: A New Contender Among College Powerhouses
Sep 13, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Clark Lea celebrates with safety Marlen Sewell (7) following their win over the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

On Saturday night, the Vanderbilt Commodores defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks 35-7, improving their record to 3-0 for the season and continuing their pursuit of college football lore on the national stage.

Top 20 Ranking

For the first time since 2008, the Commodores have secured a spot in the top 20 rankings. Last season, they briefly appeared in the polls, marking the first time since 2013.

This is an exciting period for Nashville, largely due to the efforts of Diego Pavia and head coach Clark Lea. They are bringing stability back to the SEC and notably to a program that has not been at the top of the SEC for a while.

This also marks the first time Vanderbilt has been ranked this early in the season. Additionally, when playing against Georgia State this weekend in Nashville, the Commodores will be competing as an AP-ranked team for the first time in September since 1956.

How bout dem Dores!

Commodores Knock Off #11 South Carolina

Saturday night, Vanderbilt improved to 3-0 on the season, along with knocking off the Gamecocks on the road 35-7 in a game the Commodores dominated from start to finish.

Before this game, the Commodores had lost 16 consecutive games to South Carolina. Vanderbilt dominated up front by running the football right at the Gamecocks, and Diego Pavia completed 18 of 25 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns in the win.

One of the biggest standouts of this Commodores team is their ability to play balanced football between running and passing. Defense is also playing at a high level, which makes them one of the most interesting teams in the SEC going forward.

Clark Lea Culture Change

Many coaches arrive at Vanderbilt, but often it leads to a dead end, or the coach is fired after 2-3 years. This cycle usually repeats, but not under Lea’s leadership.

The addition of a dynamic player like Diego Pavia has positively influenced the culture and future of the program. It’s been proven under Lea that the change has been beneficial, and adding a player of dynamism like Diego Pavia has changed the culture and program moving forward.

Winning SEC coach of the year, knocking off #1 Alabama, and achieving their first winning season since 2013 in 2024 has this fanbase and many others buzzing with excitement.

Blue-collar football and hard-nosed winning will do that to a program, and that’s what this Vanderbilt team is made up of.

End Of My Vanderbilt Commodores Football Rant

Nashville is widely recognized for its country music and the stars who light up the concert stage. Yet, there is currently a surge of excitement surrounding a football program that is bringing more fun to a city that has longed for football to become a regular part of its culture.

Vanderbilt football is ranked, and the program is showing improvement. The joy in the eyes of the players is evident in every game they play. With another bowl season on the horizon, it’s clear that the stakes are high.

Diego Pavia mentioned in the preseason that their goal was to become national champions and compete for a trophy. The confidence he brings to each game demonstrates his desire to win, showcasing a winning attitude and an enjoyable style of football.

Vanderbilt might not win a title, but they are sure giving fans like me and others a reason to enjoy a beautiful moment that is sure to last a lifetime.

For more Kentucky and college sports coverage from Jon, click here. Texas Season Concludes With Heartbreaking Loss

Subscribe to College SportsCast for fun, original college sports Shows. Do not miss our weekly new Wildcat Weekly Show for more Kentucky Athletics recaps, previews, and analysis beginning Sept 8th.

This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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