The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University

The Vanderbilt Hustler

The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University.
Since 1888
The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University

The Vanderbilt Hustler

The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University.
The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University

The Vanderbilt Hustler

The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University.

BREAKING: Vanderbilt quarterback AJ Swann enters transfer portal

After a sophomore season marred with injuries and turnover problems, quarterback AJ Swann has entered the transfer portal.
AJ+Swann+lines+up+under+center+before+dropping+back+to+pass+against+Tennessee%2C+as+photographed+on+Nov.+25%2C+2023.+%28Hustler+Multimedia%2FBarrie+Barto%29
Barrie Barto
AJ Swann lines up under center before dropping back to pass against Tennessee, as photographed on Nov. 25, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Barrie Barto)

Vanderbilt quarterback AJ Swann has officially entered the transfer portal, as first reported by 247 sports. The news came just one day after Ken Seals announced the he would be entering the portal as well.

Swann was heralded by many as the new face of Vanderbilt’s program after a freshman season that saw him throw for 1,274 yards, 10 touchdowns and just 2 interceptions during his freshman season. Despite entering the year off as the backup to current Mississippi State quarterback Mike Wright, Swann ended up starting seven games, highlighted by a miraculous come-from-behind victory against Northern Illinois University. It was performances like the one against the Huskies that led many Vanderbilt fans to believe Swann, entering his second year, was the future.

It was a less than fruitful season for the sophomore, who appeared in just six games this season, throwing for 1,457 yards, 12 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. The Georgia native suffered an elbow injury during the Commodores’ loss to UNLV in September. He appeared the week after in Vanderbilt’s 45-28 loss to Kentucky, completing just 40% of his passes for 189 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions. Swann was kept off the field for over two months, due to the injury at first, but later a coach’s decision from head coach Clark Lea. Swann made his way back to the field this Saturday in the Commodores’ blowout loss to No. 21 Tennessee.

The news leaves Vanderbilt with just two quarterbacks left on its roster: Walter Taylor and Drew Dickey. Two 3-star recruits in Jeremy St-Hillair and Whit Muschamp will join the quarterback room as freshmen next season. With a lack of experience at the position, Lea and Co. are expected to pursue a starting quarterback of their own in the transfer portal.

View comments (1)
About the Contributors
Aiden Rutman
Aiden Rutman, Senior Staff Writer
Aiden Rutman (‘25) is a student in Peabody College majoring in human and organizational development and minoring in communication studies. He formerly produced The Hustler’s sports podcast, Live from West End. In addition to writing and podcasting, Aiden is an avid New York sports fan, and he loves playing sports, spending time outdoors and trying new foods. You can reach him at [email protected].
Barrie Barto
Barrie Barto, Senior Staff Photographer
Barrie Barto ('25) is majoring in medicine, health & society with a minor neuroscience in the College of Arts and Science. She previously served as Photography Director. Outside of The Hustler, you can find Barrie cheering on the St. Louis Blues or tracking down the best gluten-free food in Nashville. She can be reached at [email protected].
More to Discover

Comments (1)

The Vanderbilt Hustler welcomes and encourages readers to engage with content and express opinions through the comment sections on our website and social media platforms. The Hustler reserves the right to remove comments that contain vulgarity, hate speech, personal attacks or that appear to be spam, commercial promotion or impersonation. The comment sections are moderated by our Editor-in-Chief, Rachael Perrotta, and our Social Media Director, Chloe Postlewaite. You can reach them at [email protected] and [email protected].
All The Vanderbilt Hustler picks Reader picks Sort: Newest
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
1 Comment
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
S
Sad Alum
5 months ago

FIRE LEA