Photos provided by Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt Commodores
2024 Results: 7-6, 3-5(SEC)
2025 Projection: 6-6, 2-6(SEC)
Overview:
What Clark Lea achieved at Vanderbilt last season is impressive. Knocking off Alabama and winning a bowl game is special for the Commodores, and they bring back Diego Pavia as quarterback, who will spearhead the attack in 2025. They won’t sneak up on anyone this year, but the gritty Dores will come to play and have the depth on defense to hang tough in the brutal SEC.
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- COLUMBIA, MISSOURI – SEPTEMBER 21: Vanderbilt Football lose to Missouri 30-27 in Week 4 of the 2024 season at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium September 21, 2024. (Photo by Garrett Ohrenberg/Vanderbilt University)
Offense:
Pavia won his legal battle with the NCAA, giving him another year of eligibility for the Dores at the quarterback position. He has his favorite target to throw to in Tight End Eli Stowers, who is coming back after withdrawing from the NFL Draft. Vandy hit the portal for help up front, using their NIL money to shore up the O-line with the 4 new starters arriving in Nashville to push the defense back and keep the ship moving forward. The receivers are new, but talented, expect a unit that fights for each yard when they bring their anchors ashore.
Defense:
Lea has promoted Steve Gregory to defensive coordinator, but the system won’t change much. Depth up front will allow Vandy to rotate on the front seven so they can scheme up blitz packages to dial up pressure with their linebackers and the secondary is stocked with experience as well, so the Dores will be stingy in 2025.
Special Teams:
Vandy’s special teams are, special. Placekicker Brock Taylor was 18-21 last season on field goal attempts and can hit it from 60 yards in, while Washington State transfer Nick Haberer will handle the punting duties. Martel Hight is also someone to watch in the return game.
Final Thoughts:
Lea has gutted it out and carved a place for himself in Vandy, reaching heights they haven’t seen since James Franklin left town. They will need that tenacity to survive the SEC and reach another bowl game, but nobody should take these Commodores lightly.
