⚓ Vanderbilt Commodores — 2025 Season Preview

cashincountry
Aug 28
2 min read

📍 Conference: SEC🏟️ Home Field: FirstBank Stadium👔 Head Coach: Clark Lea

📝 Team Overview

The Vanderbilt Commodores head into the 2025 season with a mix of veteran leadership and transfer talent, hoping to turn incremental progress into competitiveness in a stacked SEC. Experienced starters like QB Diego Pavia and TE Eli Stowers lead a roster that features an upgraded offensive line and a defense anchored by returning starters.

🔥 Offensive Outlook

QB Diego Pavia (R-Sr.): Dual-threat veteran expected to lead the offense with poise and mobility.
RB Sedrick Alexander (Jr.): Reliable lead back with AJ Newberry and Makhilyn Young providing depth.
WR Group: Junior Sherrill, Tre Richardson, and Trent Hudson headline a versatile receiving corps, with Martel Hight as a dynamic wild card.
TE Eli Stowers (R-Sr.): Vanderbilt’s top NFL prospect, a matchup nightmare with elite size and hands.
OL Strength: Tackles Bryce Henderson and Isaia Glass plus transfer Jordan White at center give the line veteran stability.

🛡️ Defensive Outlook

Edge & DL: Miles Capers, Khordae Sydnor, and Yilanan Ouattara anchor a unit looking to create more pressure.
LB Core: Langston Patterson and Bryan Longwell bring leadership; Nick Rinaldi adds pass-rush depth.
Secondary: Martel Hight leads at CB, while Randon Fontenette solidifies the “Star” hybrid position. Safeties CJ Heard and Marlen Sewell provide experience.

🎯 Special Teams

K: Brock Taylor (R-So.)
P: Nick Haberer (R-Sr.)
LS: Durham Harris (R-Sr.) Reliable specialists bring stability to special teams.

🔍 2025 Season Keys

QB Play: Pavia’s dual-threat ability will be central to Vanderbilt’s offensive rhythm.
Line Play: Transfer talent and veteran leadership give the offensive line a solid foundation.
Defensive Development: Generating turnovers and third-down stops remains the biggest priority.
Winnable Matchups: Non-conference games and mid-tier SEC opponents will decide the Commodores’ record.

🔮 Outlook & Predictions

Projected Record: 4-8 to 5-7
Why Watch: Vanderbilt is building a more physical, experienced team. Emerging stars like Eli Stowers could become household names.
X-Factor: Defensive consistency and turnover margin.

The Commodores are no longer an easy out — with seasoned leadership and a rebuilt roster, Vanderbilt is on the rise and could surprise in 2025.