The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University

The Vanderbilt Hustler
The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University since 1888
Follow Vanderbilt's journeys through March Madness here!
The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University

The Vanderbilt Hustler
The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University since 1888
Follow Vanderbilt's journeys through March Madness here!
The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University

The Vanderbilt Hustler
The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University
Follow Vanderbilt's journeys through March Madness here!
Brandon Karp

Brandon Karp, Staff Writer

Brandon Karp (’25) is from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and is studying human and organizational development and political science in Peabody College. You can reach him at brandon.m.karp@vanderbilt.edu.

All content by Brandon Karp
Live From West End is a weekly podcast presented by Hustler Sports. (Hustler Multimedia/Alexa White)

PODCAST: Vanderbilt Football has sobering loss to South Carolina, Men’s Basketball looks shaky in win and Women’s Basketball continues to dominate

By Aiden Rutman, Jonah Barbin and Brandon Karp
Nov 11, 2024
Quincy Skinner runs with the ball, as photographed on Oct. 26, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Michael Tung)

SEC Power Rankings Week 11: NFL Doppelgängers

By Brandon Karp and Dylan Tovitz
Nov 7, 2024
Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball celebrates a victory over Fairfield alongside the cheerleaders and dance team, as photographed on Nov. 12, 2023 and Vanderbilt Men's Basketball team celebrates after victory, as photographed on Nov. 17, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Vince Lin)

Thanksgiving Mailbag: Basketball in Las Vegas

By Andrew Wilf, Frankie Sheehy, Anish Mago, Aiden Rutman, Sam Curtis, Jayce Pollard, Jonah Barbin and Brandon Karp
Nov 22, 2023
Matthew Hayball punting against Auburn, as photographed on Nov. 4, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Geetika Komati)

SEC Power Rankings Week 12: Thanksgiving Edition

By Jonah Barbin and Brandon Karp
Nov 16, 2023
Feathers flew on the field, as captured on Nov. 5, 2022. (Hustler Multimedia/Miguel Beristain)

SEC Power Rankings Week 11: Taste of Nashville Edition

By Andrew Wilf and Brandon Karp
Nov 10, 2023
Ken Seals scrambling from an Auburn defender, as captured on Nov. 4, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Geetika Komati)

Press Conference Notes: Clark Lea previews road matchup with South Carolina

By Andrew Wilf and Brandon Karp
Nov 7, 2023
Colin Smith, Evan Taylor, Tyrin Lawrence, Ezra Manjon, Ven Allen-Lubin and Lee Dort (pictured left to right) will all look to play critical roles for Vanderbilt Men's Basketball when its season tips off on Nov. 7, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Lexie Perez)

2023-24 Vanderbilt Men’s Basketball season preview

By Andrew Wilf, Anish Mago, Frankie Sheehy, Aiden Rutman, Sam Curtis, Jayce Pollard and Brandon Karp
Nov 7, 2023
Vanderbilt during a timeout against Georgia. (Hustler Multimedia/Narenkumar Thirmiya)

Film Room: Searching for consistency

By Brandon Karp, Lead Sports Analyst
Nov 3, 2023
Jerry Stackhouse and Clark Lea met with the media on Tuesday. (Photos courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics)

Press Conference Roundup: Jerry Stackhouse previews 2023-24 season, Clark Lea expresses disappointment

By Andrew Wilf and Brandon Karp
Oct 31, 2023
Ken Seals started his second game of the season against Florida. (Vanderbilt Athletics)

SEC Power Rankings Week 9: Trick or Treat

By Brandon Karp and David Hernandez
Oct 26, 2023
Will Sheppard has the ball thrown just out of reach in Vanderbilt's loss to Missouri. (Hustler Multimedia/Barrie Barto)

Film Room: Vanderbilt has an Offensive Play Calling Issue

By Adam Burns and Brandon Karp
Oct 5, 2023
AJ Swann lifted up by Bradley Ashmore against the Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors, as photographed on Aug. 26, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Nikita Rohila)

Vanderbilt Football Mailbag: Can Vanderbilt compete in the SEC?

By Andrew Wilf, Anish Mago, Frankie Sheehy, Brandon Karp, Jonah Barbin and Jayce Pollard
Sep 22, 2023
Center Delfin Xavier Castillo and the rest of the Commodore offensive line before the snap, captured September 10, 2022. (Hustler Multimedia/Miguel Beristain)

Film Room: Wake Forest preview

By Brandon Karp, Lead Sports Analyst
Sep 8, 2023
Live From West End is a weekly podcast presented by Hustler Sports. (Hustler Multimedia/Alexa White)

PODCAST: Overcoming the Wake Forest slow mesh

By Aiden Rutman, Brandon Karp and Andrew Wilf
Sep 6, 2023
Brandon Karp (left) and Andrew Wilf (right) spoke after Vanderbilt's 47-13 win over Alabama A&M. (Hustler Multimedia/Noah Weitzel)

Anchor Analysis (Episode 2): Vanderbilt Football scores six touchdowns against Alabama A&M

By Andrew Wilf and Brandon Karp
Sep 3, 2023
Vanderbilt blocked two punts on Sept. 2, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Anseley Philippe)

Vanderbilt thrashes Alabama A&M 47-13, improves to 2-0

By Brandon Karp, Lead Sports Analyst
Sep 2, 2023
Mike Wright and Quincy Skinner celebrate after a 63-10 victory over Hawaii (Vanderbilt Athletics).

Film Room: Vanderbilt takes on Hawaii in Week Zero

By Brandon Karp, Lead Sports Analyst
Aug 25, 2023
AJ Swann and the offensive line, as photographed on Oct. 8, 2022. (Hustler Multimedia/Barrie Barto)

SEC Power Rankings Week Zero: The Time has Come

By Jacob Harris and Brandon Karp
Aug 23, 2023
Vanderbilt defense celebrates a big stop, as photographed on Oct. 8, 2022. (Hustler Multimedia/Barrie Barto)

Vanderbilt Football Preseason Mailbag: Can Vanderbilt make a bowl game?

By Andrew Wilf, Anish Mago, Frankie Sheehy, Aiden Rutman, Brandon Karp, Jonah Barbin and Jayce Pollard
Aug 23, 2023
Patrick Reilly pitching for Vanderbilt against Evansville as photographed on March 8, 2023 (Hustler Multimedia/Lindsey Jorda).

2023 MLB Draft: Patrick Reilly drafted in fifth round by Pittsburgh Pirates

By Brandon Karp, Lead Sports Analyst
Jul 10, 2023
Vanderbilt announced a plan to renovate Hawkins Field on May 31, 2023 (Vanderbilt Athletics).

Vandy United: Hawkins Field initiative signals major upgrades

By Brandon Karp, Lead Sports Analyst
May 31, 2023
Credit: Lexie Perez/Hustler Multimedia

2023 NFL Draft Profile: Anfernee Orji

By Brandon Karp, Lead Sports Analyst
Apr 26, 2023
Team Defense held on to defeat Team Offense, 37-30, in Vanderbilt Football's annual Black and Gold Game on April 8, 2023 (Vanderbilt Athletics).

Defense holds on for 37-30 victory in Black & Gold Game

By Brandon Karp, Lead Sports Analyst
Apr 9, 2023
Vanderbilt's defense had two interceptions against Florida on Nov. 19, 2022. (Hustler Multimedia/Miguel Beristain)

Vanderbilt Football Offseason Notebook: Team 3 Arrives

By Brandon Karp, Lead Sports Analyst
Apr 7, 2023
Men's basketball team gathers together during a time out on Feb. 18, 2023 (Hustler Multimedia/Nikita Rohila).

Five on Five Mailbag: What does Vanderbilt need to do at the SEC Tournament to get off the bubble?

By Bryce Smith, Aiden Rutman, Frankie Sheehy, Jonah Barbin and Brandon Karp
Mar 9, 2023
Myles Stute and Quentin Millora-Brown compete against Mississippi State on March 4, 2023 (Hustler Multimedia/Anseley Philippe).

Film Room: This is March

By Brandon Karp, Lead Sports Analyst
Mar 9, 2023
Faith Knelson advances to the final of the 200-meter breastroke at the SEC championships on Feb. 18, 2023 (Vanderbilt Athletics).

Swimming: Vanderbilt takes on SEC Championships

By Brandon Karp, Lead Sports Analyst
Mar 1, 2023
Women's Tennis versus Louisville photographed on Feb. 3, 2023.

Vanderbilt Women’s Tennis goes winless at ITA Indoor National Championships

By Brandon Karp, Lead Sports Analyst
Feb 17, 2023
Tyrin Lawrence shoots from midcourt, as photographed on Feb. 4, 2023. (Hustler Multimedia/Barrie Barto)

Previewing Tennessee: In-state rivalry comes to Nashville

By Brandon Karp, Lead Sports Analyst
Feb 8, 2023
Quentin Millora-Brown goes up for a block against Alabama on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, at Memorial Gymnasium. (Miguel Beristain/Hustler Multimedia)

Previewing Alabama: ‘Dores get another shot

By Brandon Karp, Lead Sports Analyst
Jan 31, 2023
Vanderbilt's women's basketball team, as captured on Nov. 10, 2022. (Vanderbilt Athletics)

Memorial Minutes: The Hits Keep Coming

By Brandon Karp, Lead Sports Analyst
Jan 26, 2023
Vanderbilt fed off a noisy home crowd on on January 14, 2023 at Memorial Gymasium (Nikita Rohila/Hustler Multimedia).

PODCAST: Men’s basketball catches stride, women’s basketball struggles

By Aiden Rutman, Bryce Smith and Brandon Karp
Jan 22, 2023
Tyrin Lawrence finishes a dunk on January 14, 2023 against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Memorial Gymasium (Nikita Rohila/Hustler Multimedia).

Five on Five: Can Vanderbilt keep the momentum going against No. 4 Alabama?

By Bryce Smith, Frankie Sheehy, Aiden Rutman, Brandon Karp and Jonah Barbin
Jan 17, 2023
Marnelle Garraud drives to the rim against UT Martin on December 4, 2022 (Hustler Multimedia/Yifei Lu)

Memorial Minutes: Life in the SEC

By Brandon Karp, Lead Sports Analyst
Jan 16, 2023
Tyrin Lawrence and Trey Thomas share the court against Grambling State on Dec. 9th, 2022 (Hustler Multimedia/ Makayla Donald)

Film Room: Out of the zone

By Brandon Karp, Lead Sports Analyst
Dec 29, 2022
Colin Smith passes the ball, as photographed on Dec. 3, 2022. (Hustler Multimedia/Josh Rehders)

Vanderbilt looks to keep home streak alive against Pitt

By Aiden Rutman and Brandon Karp
Dec 7, 2022
Mike Wright, pictured in Vanderbilt's game against Florida on Nov. 19, 2022. (Vanderbilt Athletics)

BREAKING: Vanderbilt QB Mike Wright to enter NCAA transfer portal

By Andrew Wilf and Brandon Karp
Dec 5, 2022
Vanderbilt's defense had two interceptions against Florida on Nov. 19, 2022. (Hustler Multimedia/Miguel Beristain)

Five on Five Mailbag: Football postseason thoughts

By Bryce Smith, Anish Mago, Andrew Wilf, Aiden Rutman and Brandon Karp
Dec 1, 2022
Vanderbilt defeated Florida 31-24 to pick up their second consecutive SEC victory.

Film Room: Playing to Win

By Brandon Karp, Lead Sports Analyst
Nov 25, 2022
Colin Smith is helped up by teammates during Vanderbilt's 60-48 loss to Southern Miss.

Film Room: Life after Scotty

By Brandon Karp, Lead Sports Analyst
Nov 14, 2022
The Hustler sports staff answers your biggest questions ahead of basketball season (Hustler Multimedia/Alexa White)

Five on Five: Basketball Mailbag Preview

By Bryce Smith, Andrew Wilf, Anish Mago, Sam Curtis, Aiden Rutman and Brandon Karp
Nov 4, 2022
Vanderbilt defense blocks Ole Miss drive, captured on Oct. 8, 2022. (Hustler Multimedia/Miguel Beristain)

Film Room: Solving the Secondary

By Brandon Karp, Lead Sports Analyst
Nov 3, 2022
Anfernee Orji playing against Alabama on Sept. 24, 2022. (Vanderbilt Athletics)

SEC Power Rankings Week Eight: Down goes Bama

By Anish Mago and Brandon Karp
Oct 21, 2022
AJ Swann playing against Ole Miss on Oct. 8, 2022.

Film Room: Is AJ Swann the Best Freshman QB in the Country?

By Brandon Karp, Lead Sports Analyst
Oct 21, 2022
Vanderbilt will face off against Ole Miss on Saturday, October 8 in their first home SEC contest of 2022 (Vanderbilt Athletics).

Film Room: Previewing Ole Miss’s Ground and Pound

By Brandon Karp, Lead Sports Analyst
Oct 6, 2022
Live From West End is a weekly podcast presented by Hustler Sports. (Hustler Multimedia/Alexa White)

PODCAST: Brandon Karp talks Wake Forest and NIU, plus Soccer with Sam

By Aiden Rutman, Bryce Smith, Brandon Karp and Sam Curtis
Sep 15, 2022
Vanderbilt will head to Northern Illinois this weekend (Hustler Multimedia/Alexa White).

Football Mailbag: Can Vanderbilt start 3-1?

By Bryce Smith, Andrew Wilf, Anish Mago, Brandon Karp and Aiden Rutman
Sep 14, 2022
Vanderbilt's defense will have a tall task when they face Wake Forest on Saturday (Vanderbilt Athletics).

Film Room: The infamous Wake Forest slow mesh

By Brandon Karp, Lead Sports Analyst
Sep 8, 2022
Anfernee Orji makes a tackle in Vanderbilt's game against Elon on September 3, 2022 (Hustler Multimedia/ Nikita Rohila)

Vanderbilt defeats Elon 42-31, start season 2-0 for the first time since 2018

By Brandon Karp, Lead Sports Analyst
Sep 3, 2022
Patrick Smith finds a hole at practice on August 6, 2022 (Vanderbilt Athletics).

Film Room: Inside Vanderbilt’s running back room

By Brandon Karp, Lead Sports Analyst
Aug 25, 2022
Graphic of Scotty Pippen Jr.

2022 NBA Draft Profile: Scotty Pippen Jr.

By Brandon Karp, Lead Sports Analyst
Jun 22, 2022
Enrique Bradfield Jr. was a perfect 41-for-41 on stolen bases in 2022 (Vanderbilt Athletics).

Closing Time: Vanderbilt hosts LSU in final regular season series

By Brandon Karp, Lead Sports Analyst
May 19, 2022
Vanderbilt golfer Tess Davenport competing at SEC Championships. Image courtesy of Michael Wade.

Out of the Rough: Tess Davenport on resetting expectations for the postseason

By Brandon Karp, Staff Writer
Apr 25, 2022
Vanderbilt's Jayna Choi hits a tee shot during the Commodores' 2022 spring season.

Vanderbilt women’s golf regular season comes to a close at the Clemson Invitational

By Brandon Karp, Staff Writer
Mar 31, 2022
Rodney Chatman surveys the floor in Vanderbilt's home contest against South Carolina on Jan. 8, 2021.

Round 2: Memorial Madness continues as the Commodores host No. 1 seed Dayton

By Brandon Karp, Staff Writer
Mar 20, 2022
Scotty Pippen Jr. looks to the sideline during Vanderbilt's loss to Kentucky on Feb. 2, 2022.

Now or Never: Vanderbilt’s SEC Tournament push begins Wednesday night against Georgia

By Brandon Karp, Staff Writer
Mar 9, 2022
Vanderbilt's Cole Sherwood won the individual portion of the Cabo Collegiate on March 1, 2022.

Men’s Golf: Commodores stay hot in Cabo, capture second consecutive first-place finish

By Brandon Karp, Staff Writer
Mar 6, 2022
Dominic Keegan rounds the bases after hitting a home run during Game 2 against Army on Feb. 26.

No. 5 Vanderbilt takes down Army West Point 10-7 in Game 2 behind offense and Carter Holton

By Brandon Karp, Staff Writer
Feb 26, 2022
Vanderbilt forward Jordan Wright goes up for a layup against Texas A&M on Feb. 19, 2022.

The Perfect Time to Turn the Tide: The Commodores face No. 24 Alabama at home in a true must-win showdown

By Brandon Karp, Staff Writer
Feb 22, 2022
Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea walks along the sideline before kickoff against the Ole Miss Rebels on Nov. 20, 2021. (Vanderbilt Athletics)

Vanderbilt Football Offseason Notebook: Lea rounds out his 2022 squad

By Andy Carr and Brandon Karp
Feb 17, 2022