The Vanderbilt Commodores are facing significant changes in their roster heading into the 2026 season, with several key contributors departing and new players joining the team.
Vanderbilt has lost several of its top performers from the 2025 season, including Heisman runner-up Diego Pavia and NFL draft second-round pick Eli Stowers. However, the team has also brought in help through the transfer portal and the freshman class, including quarterback Jared Curtis, the No. 2 recruit in the 2026 class.
The Commodores have upgraded their running back room by keeping its main contributors and adding on top of that. Every significant contributor from last year is back: Sedrick Alexander, Makhilyn Young, Jamezell Lassiter. Freshmen Evan Hampton and Izayah Lee have had exceptional camps.
Vanderbilt's running back position is now its deepest, with a variety of backs who can do a variety of different things. Even if one of them were to go down, this position group will still be going strong.
The safety position has also seen significant upgrades, with the addition of Clemson transfer Ricardo Jones and the return of most of its other contributors, including Dontae Carter and Carson Lawrence. There are also hopes that some reserves can take a step forward, like Davin Chandler, Jalen Gilbert and Jailen Ruth.
At cornerback, Martel Hight is back, and he isn't trying to be a two-way player anymore. That should allow his performance at corner to tick back up. Even with Marlon Jones, Mark Davis and Kolbey Taylor gone, Vanderbilt is in a good spot to weather their losses with newcomers like Cobey Sellers, Jaylin Davies and Bishop Starling.
The biggest position group downgrades for Vanderbilt are at quarterback, tight end, and wide receiver. The loss of Diego Pavia will be felt, and while Jared Curtis has the upside to eventually become decorated in the same way Pavia was, that almost certainly won't happen in 2026.
The tight end position has also seen a significant downgrade, with no one currently in the room with the same level of talent as Eli Stowers. In preseason practices, Cole Spence has been involved some in the passing game, but the other tight ends have been almost invisible.
Vanderbilt often used two-tight end sets in 2025, but the extra tight end will likely be replaced by extra running backs in 2026. The wide receiver position has also seen a downgrade, with the loss of Tre Richardson and Richie Hoskins. Junior Sherrill has looked excellent in the preseason, and Old Dominion transfer Ja'Cory Thomas looks like a capable No. 2.
The Commodores will face a tough road ahead as they adjust to their new roster and try to fill the void left by Pavia and Stowers. The team's performance will be closely watched as they navigate the challenges of the 2026 season.
Source: Yahoo Sports
