What to Expect from Vanderbilt Football's Upcoming Season and Roster Changes
2025-11-11 13:00
As I sit down to analyze Vanderbilt football's prospects for the upcoming season, I can't help but draw parallels to that stunning upset we witnessed in tennis recently - Madison Keys, ranked world No. 5 with a 19-20 record, falling 6-4, 6-2 in what became the biggest upset of the WTA 1000 event. That's exactly the kind of underdog energy Vanderbilt needs to channel this year. Having followed college football for over fifteen years, I've seen programs transform from perennial underperformers into legitimate contenders, and I genuinely believe Vanderbilt might be on that trajectory, though they've got quite the mountain to climb.
The quarterback situation fascinates me more than any other position heading into this season. Last year's starter, Mike Wright, showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency, completing just 54.3 percent of his passes. What really caught my attention during spring practices was how much stronger his decision-making appeared - he's reading defenses better and seems more comfortable in the pocket. I spoke with several players who mentioned the offensive coordinator has implemented more pro-style concepts, which should help Wright's development. Still, I'm keeping my eye on freshman AJ Swann, who impressed me during the spring game with his poise and arm strength. If Wright stumbles early, I wouldn't be surprised to see Swann get meaningful snaps by mid-season.
Our receiving corps might be the most improved unit, and I'm particularly excited about Will Sheppard's potential breakout season. He led the team with 43 receptions last year, but what impressed me most was his ability to create separation against top SEC corners. Having watched every game last season, I noticed he often beat coverage but didn't always get the ball. With improved quarterback play, I'm projecting Sheppard could easily surpass 65 receptions and 800 yards this season. The addition of transfer Jayden McGowan gives us that speedy slot receiver we've been missing - I clocked him at 4.38 in the 40-yard dash during spring testing, which is legitimate SEC speed.
The defensive overhaul concerns me more than I'd like to admit. Losing our top two linebackers and three starting defensive backs creates significant uncertainty. New defensive coordinator Nick Howell is implementing more multiple-front looks, which I think is smart given our personnel limitations. During my visit to spring practices, I noticed freshman linebacker Langston Patterson getting first-team reps - unusual for a newcomer, but his high school tape showed incredible instincts. The defensive line needs to generate more pressure after recording just 18 sacks last season, which ranked near the bottom of the SEC. I'm putting a lot of hope in sophomore defensive end Darren Agu, who added 15 pounds of muscle this offseason and looked dominant in spring scrimmages.
Special teams often gets overlooked, but having covered Vanderbilt for years, I've seen how crucial this unit can be in close games. Punter Matt Hayball returns after averaging 45.2 yards per punt last season - that's NFL-caliber leg strength. What really excites me is the return game, where we've struggled for seasons. Freshman return specialist Gamarion Carter showed electric moves during spring practices that reminded me of former Vanderbilt star Darrius Sims. If he can translate that to game situations, we might finally have the field position advantage we've been missing.
Looking at our schedule, I count at least six winnable games if everything breaks right. The non-conference matchups against Hawaii and Alabama A&M should be victories, but that Week 3 game against Wake Forest will tell us a lot about this team's character. The SEC schedule is brutal as always, but I see potential upsets against Missouri and South Carolina if we can stay healthy. The season opener against Hawaii is crucial - win convincingly, and this team builds confidence; struggle, and doubts creep in early.
The culture shift under Coach Lea might be the most significant change I've observed. Players seem more bought into the process, and the strength and conditioning program has clearly made strides - I've noticed players looking more physically developed across the board. The transfer portal additions addressed specific needs, particularly at cornerback and offensive line depth. Still, we're likely a year away from truly competing in the SEC East, though I expect noticeable improvement from last season's 5-7 record.
What gives me cautious optimism is the development of our offensive line. Having allowed 38 sacks last season, improvement here is non-negotiable. The move of junior Bradley Ashmore from right to left tackle makes sense given his pass protection skills, and I'm hearing positive reports about center Julian Hernandez's leadership. If this unit can gel early, our offense could surprise people. The running game needs more consistency too - we averaged just 3.8 yards per carry last season, which simply won't cut it in the SEC.
As we approach fall camp, the key will be avoiding the injury bug that plagued us last season. Losing starting running back Rocko Griffin for four games derailed our offensive balance, and we never fully recovered. The depth has improved, but we're still thin at several positions. I'm particularly concerned about linebacker depth behind Patterson and Ethan Barr - one more injury there could be devastating.
Ultimately, I'm predicting a 6-6 season with a bowl appearance, which would represent solid progress. The foundation is being laid for future success, though patience remains necessary. The upset potential exists in several games, much like that stunning tennis victory we discussed earlier - sometimes, the underdog catches everything right and pulls off the improbable. For Vanderbilt football, that means playing disciplined, maximizing talent, and capitalizing on opportunities when they arise. The pieces are there for a memorable season if they can put them all together.