Clark Lea enters his sixth season after leading Vanderbilt to a 10-3 (6-2 SEC) record and turning the culture around. Nashville is excited for college football again. Tim Beck returns for his third season as offensive coordinator. The glaring difference this year will be at quarterback, with Diego Pavia gone. Vanderbilt is eager to get five-star freshman Jared Curtis on the field. Curtis was the number one-ranked QB in the state of Tennessee. Sedrick Alexander and MK Young return at running back. Junior Sherrill returns for his senior season after securing 54 catches a season ago. Alabama transfer Cole Adams is a much-needed addition to this group of receivers. Cade McConnell is the only returner on the offensive line. The Commodores are eager to see Pitt transfer Lyndon Cooper in action.

Vanderbilt defensive coordinator Steve Gregory returns with the luxury of seven of his top eleven tacklers returning. Glenn Seabrooks and Miles Capers return, while Boston College’s Edwin Kolenge brings added depth to the defensive line. Bryan Longwell was one of the Commodores’ top tacklers a year ago and will lead a relatively inexperienced group of linebackers. CJ Heard led the team in tackles and will head up a defense that also returns Martel Hight. Clemson transfer Ricardo Jones will look to make an immediate impact.

Special teams coordinator Jeff LePak will look to break in a new punter and kick returner, but field goal kicker Brock Taylor and punt returner Martel Hight return. Vanderbilt has reason for optimism with the highest-rated commit in program history at quarterback, but the question remains how quickly Curtis develops behind a new-look offensive line.