SEC Snapshot: Vanderbilt Commodores

Spring practices have ended. The transfer portal has slowed to a crawl. We are entering Summer Radio SZN. As such, let’s get our minds right for the upcoming college football season by taking a 10,000-foot view of every SEC football team.

Vanderbilt is the preeminent punchline of the SEC, and yet Kentucky now has two straight home losses to the Commodores. Former Vandy fullback Clark Lea had a breakthrough in 2024. Is this just the beginning for the SEC Coach of the Year? Let’s dive into the 2025 squad.

SEC Snapshot: Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, Auburn, South Carolina, Ole Miss

Preseason Rankings

SP+: 55
Returning Production: 8
Andy Staples: N/A
ESPN: N/A

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Who’s the Quarterback?

The Injunction Boy is back. Diego Pavia became an overnight sensation in college football when the Commodores stunned top-ranked Alabama. Pavia had more than 300 total yards and two passing touchdowns in the 40-35 victory, the program’s first-ever over a No. 1 ranked team.

As Kentucky fans are well aware, Pavia was a nuisance for opponents all year long. He isn’t flashy, but he is efficient, and he finds creative ways to extend drives. He’s a career 60% passer, give or take, who totaled more than 2,200 yards and 20 touchdowns last fall. Pavia also rushed four eight touchdowns, including two in the Birmingham Bowl win over Georgia Tech. Most importantly, he takes care of the football. Pavia did not throw a pick until week six against Kentucky, finishing the year with just four giveaways.

We all thought that was the last time we’d see Pavia in the SEC. He’s actually not going to be a one-hit wonder, thanks to a lawsuit. Pavia argued that he missed out on NIL opportunities during his time at the JUCO level, and it actually worked. He’s one of a few former JUCO players who were granted another year of eligibility. This year will be the 24-year-old’s last ride.

Top Storyline: Vanderbilt Finally has a First-Rate Football Stadium

Vanderbilt football is moving into the 21st century. For the first time in a long time, it will have a legitimate, modern football stadium. It’s not going to look like an SEC coliseum, but FirstBank Stadium is expected to be a top-notch facility once it’s completed.

Once a horseshoe, the venue has been closed following a pair of end zone projects. The North Side is topped with an enormous video screen, while the South Side will house luxury suites. Capacity will be approximately 35,000 once it’s completed, and it’s already drawn one big event. FirstBank Stadium will host the FCS Championships in 2026 and 2027.

The last time Big Blue Nation traveled to Nashville to play the Commodores, the scoreboard hung from a crane, while the Cats used tents as locker rooms. Maxwell Hairston had a pair of pick-sixes in that game. Hopefully, the result is similar, but includes much nicer amenities for the team and visiting fans in November.

Biggest Question: Can Vandy Continue Pushing Forward?

Pavia gets most of the attention, but he was not the only addition from New Mexico State. Clark Lea imported the entire powertrain of his offense, bringing over a total of five coaches from a 10-win team in Las Cruces, including former head coach Jerry Kill. The college football veteran has an off-field role, while Tim Beck gets credit for calling the plays.

Vanderbilt had success playing keep-away from opponents and winning within very slim margins. If they got an early lead, it was hard to overcome. It seemingly shocked the system around the SEC. They will not be catching so many teams off guard, but it may not matter.

Not only is Pavia back, so is his favorite target, Eli Stowers, another New Mexico State transplant. Stowers might be the best tight end in college football. Texas A&M is the only SEC team with more returning production than the Commodores. They were a plucky upstart who had a breakthrough in 2024. They could be even better in 2025.

Vanderbilt Football Schedule

Date	Opponent	Location
Aug 30, 2025	Charleston Southern	Nashville, TN
Sep 6, 2025	Virginia Tech	Blacksburg, VA
Sep 13, 2025	South Carolina	Columbia, SC
Sep 20, 2025	Georgia State	Nashville, TN
Sep 27, 2025	Utah State	Nashville, TN
Oct 4, 2025	Alabama	Tuscaloosa, AL
Oct 11, 2025	Open Date	—
Oct 18, 2025	LSU	Nashville, TN
Oct 25, 2025	Missouri	Nashville, TN
Nov 1, 2025	Texas	Austin, TX
Nov 8, 2025	Auburn	Nashville, TN
Nov 15, 2025	Open Date	—
Nov 22, 2025	Kentucky	Nashville, TN
Nov 29, 2025	Tennessee	Knoxville, TN