Vanderbilt Depth Chart Thursday: Post-Spring Projections for 2026

As the Vanderbilt Commodores navigate Spring Ball & Recruiting 2026, head coach Clark Lea faces the enviable yet challenging task of following up a historic 10-3 campaign. Following the annual Black and Gold Spring Game on April 18 at FirstBank Stadium, the post-spring picture is becoming clearer for this Depth Chart Thursday.

Replacing a Legend at Quarterback

The most pressing question following the 34-27 loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes in the ReliaQuest Bowl has been how offensive coordinator Tim Beck will replace Heisman runner-up Diego Pavia. The answer has officially emerged: five-star true freshman Jared Curtis is taking the reins as the projected starting quarterback. Following a competitive spring, Curtis sits atop the depth chart, with Blaze Berlowitz and Whit Muschamp backing him up in the quarterback room.

Offensive Weapons and Trenches

Curtis will have a solid foundation of returning talent to work with. Key returning starters Sedrick Alexander, Junior Sherrill, and Cole Spence are expected to headline the skill positions. However, the offensive line requires a rebuild following the departures of NFL-bound talents like Jordan White and Eli Stowers. The Commodores have added immediate plug-and-play talent from the transfer portal, most notably center Lyndon Cooper, who projects as an anchor up front. Additional portal additions like Cole Adams, Brian Allen Jr., and Micah DeBose will also jockey for essential roles on the offensive two-deep.

Gregory's Experienced Defense

Defensive coordinator Steve Gregory enters his second full season with an experienced unit ready to set the tone. The defensive depth chart is highlighted by key returning starters Bryan Longwell, Nick Rinaldi, and Martel Hight. The defense has also been bolstered by the arrival of transfer Ricardo Jones, who will look to make an immediate impact and fill the void left by outgoing transfers such as Randon Fontenette, Tre Richardson, Linus Zunk, and Trudell Berry.

With the spring evaluation period concluded, Clark Lea has a firm grasp on his roster. If Jared Curtis can quickly adapt to the speed of the SEC alongside these projected starters, the Commodores possess the talent to sustain their newly established winning standard.