Vanderbilt football kicks off 2026 with high hopes and a stacked schedule, as they face Austin Peay in their season opener on September 5th. Under Coach Clark Lea’s sixth year, the Commodores are chasing more than just another winning season—they’re aiming to build on last year’s historic 10-3 campaign, their first ever ten-win season. Despite being picked 13th in the SEC and missing the top 25 polls, momentum is building. The quarterback room features a dynamic duo: Blaze Berlowitz and Jared Curtis, both expected to see significant reps. With tough matchups against Auburn, Georgia, and Alabama looming, fans can already grab tickets starting at $23. Can this team repeat—or even surpass—last year’s magic?

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/0939b8cb1a0a91f0

Vanderbilt’s season opener depth chart drops with Blaze Berlowitz starting QB but freshman Jared Curtis ready to contribute. Wide receiver battle won by Sherrill, Brycen Coleman (6’5” converted TE), and Tristen Brown. Offensive line anchored by Clinton Azubuike and improved transfer Orion Irving, with Kevo Wesley, Cade McConnell, and Lyndon Cooper rounding out the unit. Four true freshmen make the cut: Curtis, Evan Hampton (kick returner), Mason Lewis (hybrid LB/S), and Bishop Starling (CB). Defense features Brian Allen Jr. (Iowa transfer) and Carson Lawrence at edge/hybrid spots, plus Jordan Matthews (Tennessee transfer) locking down CB2.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/d3a93b6b85901db2

Vanderbilt’s depth chart drop shakes up expectations—Blaze Berlowitz starts at QB but faces stiff competition from freshman Jared Curtis, with no third-stringer named yet. Orion Irving shocks everyone by beating high-paid Beau Johnson at left tackle, while STAR duties split between Carson Lawrence and surprise freshman Mason Lewis. Wide receiver roles flipped too: Brycen Coleman, a spring switch from tight end, edges out Ja’cdoty Thomas as No. 2, and Mason Brown takes the third spot over injured Cole Adams. This is a loaded roster full of surprises—and it’s only getting started.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/594039ae471bc5a7

Clark Lea’s Commodores face Austin Peay in their season opener, a matchup loaded with history and intensity. Five years ago, Lea lost his first game as head coach to an FCS team — East Tennessee State — and he’s since turned things around with two bowl appearances and four straight winning openers, including upsets of Virginia Tech. Austin Peay, a top-ranked FCS squad, brings a dangerous QB in Chris Parson, who lit up his debut. Lea’s message? No room for complacency — recent practice lapses exposed a lack of focus, and he demands unconditional intensity every play, regardless of opponent or score. Success isn’t about chasing big-picture goals; it’s about mastering the present moment, starting with showing up ready to fight from snap one.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/ef69d8065090a8d7

Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss is stealing the spotlight after his dazzling Fiesta Bowl performance, and now Vanderbilt gets a chance to pull off the upset at home — but can they handle the pressure against a Playoff-caliber team? With a brutal road stretch behind them, the Commodores are primed for a statement win — while also navigating recruiting buzz and a new pro tennis tournament coming to town. The game’s on, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/c47c2739e36c33e4

Vanderbilt’s new football era is here — with a five-star QB, a revamped offensive line, and a fresh underdog story brewing. But the real buzz? A new weekly mailbag where fans can ask anything — from SEC drama to NIL deals — and get real answers from the writers. Submit your questions Sunday through Thursday, and let’s turn the conversation into community.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/20394bec22a51913

Vanderbilt football’s season kicks off Saturday night against Austin Peay, bringing in former SEC QB Chris Parson and a bold “reload” mindset. The crew breaks down the keys to victory, score predictions, and the QB battle with Blaze Berlowitz getting Week 1 duty under coach Clark Lea. Fans are energized, message boards buzzing, and expectations are high—this isn’t just a rebuild, it’s a real push for wins.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/6c341136250c6542

Vanderbilt’s football team is heating up with QB competition between Blaze Berlowitz and freshman Jared Curtis, both expected to see early snaps. Running back Evan Hampton’s explosive camp performance could steal the spotlight from veterans. Junior Sherrill dominates at wideout, with JaCory Thomas healthy and ready as No. 2, while Cole Adams faces stiff competition. Tight end Cole Spence looks primed for a breakout, backed by Jayvontay Conner and emerging talent. The offensive line has strong contenders like Beau Johnson and Cade McConnell, with Kevo Wesley’s return adding depth — though guard remains a question mark with Orion Irving stepping up.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/d32650998d8374ab