The Commodores lost two starters from the 2025 team to the portal, but most of the other portal entrants were backups. However, Vanderbilt is also losing several starters who are out of eligibility.

Ricardo Jones, a Clemson transfer safety who was a third team All-ACC selection in 2025, committed to Vanderbilt football, he announced Jan. 12. In 2025, the sophomore appeared in 13 games and recorded 39 tackles, one tackle for loss and six interceptions, including a pick-six.

Diego Pavia and Vanderbilt football couldn't quite complete a fourth-quarter comeback as the Commodores lost to Iowa in the ReliaQuest Bowl.

Veney committed to Vanderbilt on Nov. 24, joining the Commodores from Division II Morehouse College. In 2025, he played in 10 games, making 32 catches for 381 yards and three touchdowns. Veney started his career at Army in 2023 before transferring.

See Vanderbilt football's rankings in the college football polls after the national championship.

The Commodores’ running back tandem is back for another year, helping Vanderbilt maintain offensive depth.

Iowa football improves to 9-4 on the season after holding off Diego Pavia-led Vanderbilt for a thrilling 34-27 win in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Dec. 31.

Sports are thriving at Vanderbilt under the watch of athletic director Candice Lee, a former basketball player for the Commodores.

Vanderbilt football landed a full-circle commitment in its transfer portal class and Jayvontay Conner looks to make that a worthwhile moment for Clark Lea.