Vanderbilt Football 2026 Position Preview: Specialists

Before Vanderbilt's 2026 season begins, the specialists group takes center stage. Specialists such as kickers, punters, long snappers, and returners might not accumulate as many snaps as other players, but they play an instrumental role in the game. An overlooked field goal, a poorly hopped punt, a misfired snap, a missed punt return, or a lackluster decision can potentially unravel a team.

Vanderbilt's specialists have historically been strong, and this trend is expected to persist. Brock Taylor, originally dubbed The Brocket Launcher, is the kicker for Vanderbilt. At 6’1” and 165 pounds, Taylor's leg has the power to back it up. In 2025, Taylor went 13 of 14, following up an 18 of 21 season in 2024. He has made 6 of 7 field goals of over 50 yards, including a 57-yarder against Missouri in 2024.

For his career, Taylor's proficiency with kicks from short ranges is impressive, having made 11 of 12 in the 30-39 yard range and 6 of 6 inside 29 yards. With favorable winds and good conditions, Taylor's range could extend up to 65 yards.

Justin Dewers, Vanderbilt's sophomore backup kicker, also possesses an artillery-rated leg, capable of throwing kicks from a live snap and hold that hit the net almost at crossbar height from 58 yards.

The punters on Vanderbilt's roster include Tyler Ebel, who transferred in from South Dakota. Ebel has averaged 43.4 yards per punt across his career, with an increase in 2025 to 46.0. He had 13 punts returned in 2025, the only ones to do so in all of 2025. Backup punter Conor Weasler, who has not seen action in the last three seasons, is also listed. Meanwhile, freshman Joe Daniel is listed as both a kicker and a punter. Since he is not on the depth chart, his involvement in the game is unlikely.

The long snappers are next. Kaden Schickel, who has transferred in from Michigan State, is the first on the depth chart. Schickel had spent two years at James Madison before transferring and took over as the long snapper in 2023. He missed the 2024 season due to injury, but prior to that, he had not made any bad snaps in 59 punts and 71 field goals/PATs according to Sports Illustrated.

Stone Owens, the sophomore backup, has not been on the field in his first three seasons. He was twice all-district in high school according to Vanderbilt's bio.

Kick returners are next. Junior Sherrill leads the pack, having returned 16 kickoffs for 427 yards, including 1 touchdown, in 2024. Tre Richardson took over as the primary returner in 2025, with 427 return yards and 1 touchdown. Kayleb Barnett, listed as the second on the depth chart, has the speed and quickness to be dangerous as a kick returner but has a small frame, only 5’8” and 155 pounds.

Evan Hampton, a freshman running back, is listed as the last on the depth chart. He may soon step in as the kick returner, given his dynamic nature and potential to make the right decisions on when to return or fair catch the ball.