It’s been a magical start to the season for No. 16 Vanderbilt Football. The Commodores are 5-0 for the first time since 2008, and the program has garnered a significant amount of national media attention. There’s a new sense of confidence on West End, largely due to star quarterback Diego Pavia as he continues his historic season in the Black and Gold.
The Hustler staff broke down some of the most pressing questions facing Vanderbilt as it enters the bulk of its SEC slate.
What position group has stood out to you most so far this season?
David Hernandez, Deputy Sports Editor: While the playmaking of the running back and wide receiver rooms is noteworthy, I believe the offensive line stands out most. The unit has set the tone in each of Vanderbilt’s victories, dominating defensive fronts and opening massive gaps in the running game. The Commodore rushing attack is currently ranked in the top 20 and is averaging 6.5 yards per carry with around 4 yards coming before first contact is even made, a credit to the offensive line’s run blocking. Though penalties remain a slight concern, Vanderbilt’s offensive line play has been stellar this year.
Henry Oelhafen, Sports Editor: Vanderbilt’s rushing attack has shown significant improvement this season. In 2024, the group averaged just 3.8 yards per rushing attempt; that number has jumped to 6.5 yards per attempt in the 2025 season. I’ll give credit to the offensive line, as they’ve been the ones opening sizable holes at the line of scrimmage for the running backs to pop through. However, it has also helped that Vanderbilt’s running back room is monumentally better this year. Sedrick Alexander has taken a big step up this season, and MK Young has proven to be an ultra-reliable second option. AJ Newberry being utilized in short-yardage situations as a larger, physical back has also been effective.
Who has been Vanderbilt’s MVP this season?
Hernandez: As obvious as it is, the answer is Pavia. Coming off one of the best quarterback seasons for Vanderbilt in recent memory, questions lingered about what kind of jump he could make this year. Thus far, he has made unbelievable strides. Through five games, Pavia ranks in the top 10 nationally in several major categories, including completion percentage (No. 7), passing touchdowns (No. 5) and quarterback rating (No. 3). Pavia is Vanderbilt’s leading rusher, is responsible for 15 total touchdowns and still hasn’t played a full four quarters in any of the Commodores’ games this season. Pavia is Vanderbilt’s clear MVP and has thrust himself into the Heisman conversation.
Dylan Tovitz, Deputy Sports Editor: As much as Pavia could be the clear answer here, I’m going to give a different name that’s heavily contributed to the quarterback’s success. Jordan White has looked like one of the best centers in the country through five games, leading an offensive line that’s dominated, as mentioned by my colleagues above. White — a Liberty transfer — not only had to learn how to play with a new quarterback but also with an entirely new offensive line and coaching staff. He’s excelled at adjusting thus far, taking home SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week after Vanderbilt’s Week 3 victory over South Carolina. He was even named team captain prior to Week 5. Look for White to play a big role in the Commodores’ success going forward.
What’s the energy like on campus right now?
Oelhafen: Vanderbilt’s campus is bursting with excitement these days. Nearly every student I run into wants to talk about Pavia and the football team — some professors have even brought it up during lectures. FirstBank Stadium has become the place to be on Saturdays, and the students have certainly made that atmosphere great. Vanderbilt is on the doorstep of another bowl-eligible season, but it has even higher expectations than that. Rumblings of a potential College Football Playoff berth are echoing through Vanderbilt’s buildings. The Commodores are rolling through their schedule and have shown no signs of slowing down — the student atmosphere in FirstBank Stadium should only get better from here.
Eli Landers, Lead Sports Analyst: The sense of unity on campus is undeniable. No matter how well students know each other, Vanderbilt Football has become the No. 1 topic of conversation. Excitement is building around the Commodores’ winning streak and the possibility of it continuing. FirstBank Stadium’s student section has been packed for every home game, and plenty of fans are even making the trip to Tuscaloosa for College GameDay and the highly anticipated rematch with Alabama. The increase in national media attention has only fed the fire, from in-depth network news coverage to smaller outlets like SEC Shorts. The Commodore faithful are also fueling the hype online. After every victory, thousands of “Vandy Wins” reposts flood Instagram stories, showcasing just how energized this fanbase has become.
What defensive group concerns you the most heading into the bulk of the SEC schedule?
Tristan Rutman, Sports Podcast Producer: Vanderbilt’s secondary continues to give me anxiety as the Commodores’ schedule gets increasingly challenging. While the unit has held up decently thus far, the best receiver they have faced is South Carolina’s Nyck Harbor — no other opposing group has come close to the talent they’ll face later this year. With that said, Kolbey Taylor and Martel Hight have been impressive in coverage given their assigned matchups, and CJ Heard has been a solid safety blanket behind them. Regardless of their performance through five games, five of their final seven games will be against opponents currently ranked in the AP poll’s top 20. This means they’ll be taking on some of the best pass-catchers in the nation, including Chris Brazzell II, Cam Coleman and Ryan Williams, to name a few.
What does Vanderbilt need to do as its schedule gets increasingly difficult?
Landers: The Commodores thrived on long, sustained drives last season. This year, the offense is finding success in a very different way: by striking and moving quickly. Vanderbilt’s average possession lasts just 2 minutes and 52 seconds, nearly 30 seconds shorter than last year’s pace. Even then, the team is punting only 1.4 times per game compared to 3.9 a year ago. The faster tempo under offensive coordinator Tim Beck has translated into more points, with Vanderbilt ranking fourth nationally in scoring offense. With tougher SEC defenses looming on the schedule, the Commodores’ best chance to reach their ceiling still lies in Pavia pushing the tempo by operating out of no-huddle sets and attacking deep downfield.
Tovitz: It’s all about discipline. Vanderbilt’s surgical offense has largely hidden the fact that the Commodores have been playing some sloppy football as of late. Between the Langston Patterson targeting call against South Carolina, repeated 12-men-on-the-field violations against Georgia State and the penalties on punts in the team’s most recent game, Vanderbilt has shown far too much indiscipline in recent weeks. If it continues with the reckless penalties, it’s going to be difficult to win games in tougher environments and against tougher opponents. It’s nothing that can’t be cleaned up, but it will need to be addressed if the Commodores want to fulfill their lofty preseason aspirations.
What are your new record predictions now five games into the season?
Rutman: My updated prediction for Vanderbilt after an undefeated start to the season is that the team will finish 9-3. The Commodores’ offense has been electric so far, ranking first nationally in offensive efficiency, according to ESPN’s College Football Power Index. While their strength of schedule ranks low in comparison, Lea and Co. have shown an impressive ability to adapt to their environment and execute when necessary. I feel relatively confident that the team will defend FirstBank Stadium against Missouri, Auburn and Kentucky, which would put them at eight wins on the season. They should be able to eke out another victory somewhere else in their incredibly challenging schedule, either at home against LSU or on the road against one of Alabama, Texas or Tennessee.
Grace Hall, Deputy Sports Editor: I’m going to set my prediction for the Commodores at one win above what Tristan believes: 10-2. Besides having the obvious tangibles needed to secure a winning record in the SEC — such as a prolific offense, solid units in the trenches and a stellar special teams unit — Vanderbilt also has an elite feel and confidence to it. This is represented fully by their leader, Pavia, who exudes cool confidence. I think the ‘Dores are solidly on track to defeat Missouri, Auburn and Kentucky. I believe they will get a gritty win at home over LSU to put them at eight wins coming off a bye week. Of the remaining three games on their schedule — Alabama, Texas and Tennessee — they should win one. Nine seems to be the magic number for College Football Playoff contention this year, which means the ‘Dores would be solidly in the CFP.
