By : Sabri Haidar
(Photo/Sabri Haidar-The Mojo Network)
After years of frustration, Vanderbilt finally turned the corner in 2024. The Commodores not only finished with their first winning season since 2013, but they capped it off with a bowl victory and a historic upset of Alabama — their first win over the Tide since 1984. For a program that’s seen just 54 winning seasons in more than a century, the turnaround under Clark Lea felt like a breakthrough.
And the best part for Commodore fans? The roster heading into 2025 looks even stronger.
Pavia Sets the Tone
Quarterback Diego Pavia became the face of the program last fall, and his return might be the biggest win of Vanderbilt’s offseason. He was the heartbeat of an offense that didn’t put up massive yardage totals but excelled in ball security, tempo control, and clutch third-down conversions. Pavia’s 2,293 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws, and 801 rushing yards showcased his ability to carry the team. His fiery leadership transformed the culture, and he’ll have even more weapons around him this time.
Tight end Eli Stowers, last year’s leading receiver, is back, and wideout Junior Sherrill provides a reliable outside target. The transfer portal also brought in familiar faces for Pavia — most notably Trent Hudson from Mississippi State, who previously caught passes from him at New Mexico State, and Chance Fitzgerald from Virginia Tech. Those additions give Vanderbilt the most versatile pass-catching group it has had in years.
Up front, Lea retooled the offensive line with four new starters from the portal, highlighted by Jordan White (Liberty) at center and massive tackle Bryce Henderson (South Dakota). Combined with returning veteran Chase Mitchell, this rebuilt unit could stabilize what was once the team’s biggest weakness.
Defense Brings Depth and Experience
While the offense leans on transfers, the defense largely comes back intact — and that’s a good thing. Linebackers Bryan Longwell (89 tackles) and Langston Patterson (78 tackles) anchor the middle, with Nick Rinaldi providing pass-rush punch after leading the team in sacks last season.
In the trenches, Vanderbilt boasts size and experience. Glenn Seabrooks (340 pounds) and Yilanan Ouattara plug the interior, while Khoardae Sydnor and Miles Capers bring veteran edge pressure.
The secondary was upgraded through the portal, most notably with CJ Heard (FAU), a tackling machine who posted 82 stops last year, and Jordan Matthews (Tennessee), who pairs with playmaker Martel Hight at cornerback. Safety Randon Fontenette, coming off a season with 73 tackles and eight pass breakups, remains the unit’s steadying presence.
The 2025 Outlook
Vanderbilt proved last fall that it can hang with the SEC’s elite, nearly stunning Texas in a 27–24 nail-biter and pushing LSU and Missouri deep into the fourth quarter. With a more seasoned roster and another year of Pavia’s leadership, this team won’t be viewed as an easy win on anyone’s schedule.
The Commodores should be favored in their early non-conference slate, but it’s their SEC play that will define the season. This group has the makeup to spring upsets and play spoiler in a league where every week is a test. With nine returning defensive starters and an offense that now has more balance, Vanderbilt has the formula to stay competitive — and dangerous.
Bottom Line
The days of Vanderbilt being overlooked in the SEC may be ending. Clark Lea has built a team with toughness, experience, and enough playmakers to make life difficult for everyone on the schedule. If 2024 was the breakthrough, 2025 could be the confirmation that Vanderbilt football is here to stay.