Vanderbilt Commodores is 0-0 on the season, 0-0 against the spread, and holds a power rating of +14.1. Vanderbilt Commodores enters the season with a power rating of +14.1, placing them above average relative to the FBS midpoint. The Vanderbilt Commodores host Austin Peay next in Week 1. In 2025, Vanderbilt Commodores went 10-2 overall, 10-2 against the spread, and 8-4 on totals.
In Week 0 of 2026 the Vanderbilt Commodores Power Rating of +14.1 is 13.9 points above the FBS average according to Blue Chip Analytics. Vanderbilt Commodores have logged 0 miles of travel so far, out of a season total of 2,835 miles, ranking 144th heaviest in the FBS.
| Week | Opponent | Distance | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 0 | — | Bye | |
| Week 1 | Austin Peay | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 2 | Delaware | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 3 | NC State | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 4 | Auburn | 255 mi | 511 mi |
| Week 5 | Georgia | 247 mi | 1,004 mi |
| Week 6 | Ole Miss | Home | 1,004 mi |
| Week 7 | Arkansas | Home | 1,004 mi |
| Week 8 | Kentucky | 182 mi | 1,367 mi |
| Week 9 | — | Bye | |
| Week 10 | Mississippi State | 217 mi | 1,801 mi |
| Week 11 | Alabama | Home | 1,801 mi |
| Week 12 | Florida | 517 mi | 2,835 mi |
| Week 13 | Tennessee | Home | 2,835 mi |
| Week 14 | — | Bye | |
| Week 15 | — | Bye | |
| Week 16 | — | Bye | |
The biggest storyline for Vanderbilt is the transition to true freshman Jared Curtis at quarterback. Curtis, a 5-star recruit flipped from Georgia, has generated significant buzz but has zero college game experience. The Commodores' offense will rely on his development, especially behind an offensive line that must replace four starters. The preseason outlook noted that pairing an unproven line with a freshman quarterback feels risky, and the season opener against Austin Peay will be the first test of how quickly Curtis can adjust to the college level.
Despite the quarterback change, Vanderbilt returns a strong group of skill players. Wide receiver Junior Sherrill had 784 receiving yards and seven touchdowns last season, ranking among the top returning SEC receivers. The Commodores added impact transfers Ja'Cory Thomas from Old Dominion and Cole Adams from Alabama, who impressed in spring practice. Tight end is also a strength with Cole Spence returning and East Carolina transfer Jayvontay Conner taking over the flex role. This experienced supporting cast should help ease Curtis's transition.
Vanderbilt's defense features seven players with Power 4 starting experience, including a deep group of tackles and an experienced linebacker corps led by Bryan Longwell. The secondary could take a big step forward with cornerbacks Jordan Matthews and Cayden Daniels emerging, and Clemson transfer Ricardo Jones, who tied for the ACC lead with six interceptions last season, adding depth at safety. However, the pass rush remains a concern, as projected starting edges Miles Capers and Brian Allen Jr. combined for just five sacks in 2025.
Vanderbilt's special teams have ranked among the nation's best over the past two years, and that should continue. Placekicker Brock Taylor is one of college football's top kickers with range beyond 60 yards, and the Commodores added FCS South Dakota punter Tyler Ebel via the transfer portal. This continuity in special teams provides a reliable foundation for a team with questions elsewhere.
The Commodores enter the season with a mix of optimism and uncertainty. The injection of belief and swagger from last year's success under Diego Pavia could carry over, but the team faces growing pains with a freshman quarterback and a rebuilt offensive line. The defense, while experienced, must improve its pass rush to avoid putting Curtis in constant comeback mode. If Curtis can have a standout freshman season and the defense takes a step forward, Vanderbilt could be competitive in the middle of the SEC. The opener against Austin Peay will provide an early indicator of how the pieces are coming together.
Vanderbilt Commodores is 0-0 against the spread in the 2026 season.
Vanderbilt Commodores holds a Blue Chip Analytics power rating of +14.1, representing their expected point margin against an average FBS team on a neutral field.
Vanderbilt Commodores's home field advantage rating is 1.5 points, the venue adjustment Blue Chip Analytics applies for games at their home stadium.
Vanderbilt Commodores travels 2,835 miles in the 2026 season, ranking 144th heaviest in the FBS.
Cumulative travel distance counts both the outbound and return journey for every away game. For example, if a team travels 374 miles to play an away game, Blue Chip Analytics counts 748 miles (374 miles there, 374 miles back) toward the cumulative total. Home games and bye weeks add zero miles. The per-week Distance column shows the one-way distance only, as the return trip happens after the game is played.
Vanderbilt Commodores: 0-0 overall, 0-0 ATS, power rating +14.1.
