How Vanderbilt’s Unexpected Rise Is Shaking Up the SEC Power Structure

Vanderbilt is off to a sizzling start this season, boasting a perfect 3-0 record — something we haven’t seen since 2017. They’ve cracked the AP Top 25 at No. 20, a spot they last held back in 2013 when they stood at 25 with a 5-2 mark. The latest win? A commanding 31-7 dismantling of the 11th-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks. That showdown saw the Gamecocks lose LaNorris Sellers early, a blow that predictably deflated their offense. This Vanderbilt squad isn’t just playing better—they’re rewriting narratives. After ending a long drought with last year’s winning season and pulling off an eye-popping upset against Alabama, things are looking up in Nashville. Credit head coach Clark Lea, the alum who’s steered the Commodores from SEC bottom-feeder to a serious contender on the rise. And let’s not forget QB Diego Pavia—the transfer from New Mexico whose dual-threat prowess has been downright electric. With six of their last nine opponents ranked, this season promises a rollercoaster of thrills and shockers. It’ll be fascinating to watch if Vandy can crash the SEC frontrunner party — and honestly, I’m rooting for them to shake things up. LEARN MORE

Vanderbilt is 3-0 for the first time since 2017. They are ranked No. 20 in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time since the 2013 season when they were ranked 25 with a 5-2 record.

The Commodores beat the 11th-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks 31-7 in dominating fashion. LaNorris Sellers left early in the game after a targeting call against linebacker Langston Patterson. The score was only 14-7 but with Sellers out, it was downhill from there for SC’s offense. 

Vanderbilt had its first winning season since the 2013 season when they finished 9-4 last season. That year, they won the BBVA Compass Bowl 41-24 against Houston. Last year, they finished the year 7-6 after they defeated Georgia Tech in the Birmingham Bowl 35-27. To add to that, they upset the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide at home 40-35. Nick Saban choked on his comments earlier that week after saying Vanderbilt is the only place that’s not hard to play in the SEC. The Tide rolled home with a major loss.   

Clark Lea was hired as head coach in December 2020. Since being hired, the Vanderbilt alum has turned the program from a laughingstock to being a potential College Football Playoff contender.

Quarterback Diego Pavia, who transferred from New Mexico, has been the key piece to the start of a new beginning in Nashville. Pavia finished the season with 59.4% completion percentage, 2,293 yards with twenty touchdowns, four interceptions, and a 143.5 passer rating. Pavia had the second-highest passer rating in the SEC. He added 193 carries for 800 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns.

We’ll see Vandy can sneak into the frontrunners race in the SEC this season. It will come with some upsets as six of the final nine opponents are ranked.   

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