Vanderbilt eyes more after a historic 10-win season, but life after Diego Pavia looms

The Vanderbilt Commodores have set their sights on a bright future after a historic 10-win season, but the challenge of life after star player Diego Pavia looms large. The team finished 14th in the College Football Playoff rankings, just a step above their 2025 campaign. Head coach Clark Lea, who guided Vanderbilt to its first 10-win season in school history, sees this as just another step in the climb toward building the nation's premier football program.

Despite Pavia's significant contributions, with 3,539 passing yards, 862 rushing yards, 39 touchdowns, and 29 TD passes, Vanderbilt must find a new offensive leader to carry the team forward. The Commodores have a solid core of returning players, including running backs Sedrick Alexander and Makhilyn Young, wide receiver Junior Sherrill, and defensive lineman Cade McConnell.

However, replacing Pavia will be the most daunting task, as he was not only a Heisman Trophy finalist but also a key offensive cog. Vanderbilt's offseason has seen the addition of Jared Curtis, a top-rated recruit from Georgia, and former players Ja’Cory Thomas, Cole Adams, and Micah DeBose, all of whom will help fill the void left by Pavia and other key personnel.

The season kicks off on September 5 against Austin Peay, with significant games against Auburn, Georgia, Ole Miss, and Alabama looming on the horizon.