Commodores Reload: Vanderbilt's 2026 Projected Starters and Depth Chart Battles

As the Vanderbilt Commodores navigate Spring Ball & Recruiting 2026, head coach Clark Lea is looking to build on a historic campaign. Entering his sixth season and simultaneously serving as the 2026 AFCA President, Lea faces the challenge of following up a program-record 10-win 2025 season that culminated in a hard-fought 34-27 loss to No. 23 Iowa in the ReliaQuest Bowl. For this edition of Depth Chart Thursday, we analyze how the Commodores are restructuring their roster following key NFL departures and transfer portal movement.

The Quarterback Room: The Jared Curtis Era Begins

The most significant storyline in Nashville is the transition under center. With Diego Pavia departing for the NFL, five-star true freshman Jared Curtis has officially been anointed as the starting quarterback. Offensive coordinator Tim Beck is tasked with maintaining the unit's high production level with Curtis at the helm. Behind the true freshman, the depth chart features Blaze Berlowitz and Jack Elliott, who will battle for the primary backup role as the season approaches.

Offensive Playmakers: Replacing a Mackey Winner

Beck's offense will also need to adjust to the NFL departure of John Mackey Award-winning tight end Eli Stowers. Fortunately, the Commodores return crucial starting experience in running back Sedrick Alexander and wide receiver Junior Sherrill. The transfer portal has also brought potential immediate contributors to the offensive side, including Jayvontay Conner and Beau Johnson, who will be heavily relied upon to fill the void left by outgoing transfers like Tre Richardson and AJ Newberry.

Defensive Foundation: Gregory's Returning Core

On the other side of the ball, defensive coordinator Steve Gregory has a strong foundation of key returning starters to anchor the depth chart. The defensive unit boasts the return of Nick Rinaldi, Bryan Longwell, Martel Hight, Miles Capers, and CJ Heard. With the transfer exits of Linus Zunk, Randon Fontenette, and Trudell Berry, Vanderbilt has reloaded the defense with incoming transfers Cobey Sellers, Talan Carter, Brian Allen Jr., and Ricardo Jones. These new additions will compete immediately in spring practices to secure starting roles or rotational spots in Gregory's system.

Following the Black and Gold Spring Game on April 18 at FirstBank Stadium, the picture of Vanderbilt's 2026 depth chart is becoming clearer. If Curtis can seamlessly adapt to the college game and the incoming transfers mesh with the returning veterans, Lea's Commodores are poised to prove that 2025 was just the beginning.