2026 Vanderbilt Commodores Depth Chart

1️⃣ Depth Chart Reasoning: Vanderbilt’s offense will hinge on a quarterback transition, and the program isn’t shying away from talent. Five-star freshman Jared Curtis arrives as the highest-rated QB in school history, and his dual-threat upside and long-term ceiling outweigh the short-term steadiness a veteran backup might offer. The Commodores could theoretically open camp with senior Blaze Berlowitz as a placeholder, but Curtis’s pedigree and fit in OC Tim Beck’s high-octane scheme make him the clear QB1 for fantasy purposes. His rushing ability and playmaking mirror what Diego Pavia provided (Pavia led a 38.5 PPG attack in 2025), so Vanderbilt will ride the new star for both impact and continuity. The running back hierarchy similarly favors proven production with senior Sedrick Alexander over explosive junior Makhilyn “MK” Young. Alexander led the team with 560 rush yards and 11 TD on just 106 carries last season, adding reliable receiving work (19 catches, 200 yards, 4 TD) as a true three-down option. His nose for the end zone and every-week volume give him the edge as RB1. Young is the quintessential high-ceiling RB2 – he averaged a staggering 9.1 yards a carry (411 yards, 6 TD on only 45 rushes) and showcased home-run ability with an 80-yard score. However, his touches came in change-of-pace and big-play spots rather than bell-cow duty. Until we see a shift in committee balance, Alexander’s steady role and goal-line usage keep him in front, while Young remains a lethal complementary weapon. (Sophomore AJ Newberry provides depth behind them, but barring injury his role is minimal given the return of both Alexander and Young.)

At wide receiver, a clear alpha target has emerged in senior Junior Sherrill, and he’s ranked WR1 due to a blend of talent and opportunity. Sherrill erupted for 54 receptions, 784 yards and 7 TD in 2025, displaying improved route-running and shedding his former “gadget” label to become the go-to receiver down the stretch. With last year’s leading wideout Tre Richardson (46/806/7) gone to the portal, Sherrill’s reliable hands and chemistry with the offense position him as the new quarterback’s top read. The WR2 slot projects to Ja’Cory Thomas, a transfer who was a downfield playmaker at Old Dominion (719 yards and 5 TD). Thomas profiles as the vertical threat Richardson was – in fact, Vanderbilt added him specifically to fill that deep-ball role. His proven production against FBS competition and ability to stretch defenses should translate into immediate fantasy value, even if there’s a small adjustment from Sun Belt to SEC play. Oklahoma transfer Cole Adams slots in next as WR3, likely manning the slot and return duties. While Adams has only modest collegiate stats so far, he brings SEC athleticism (the former Alabama speedster was their primary punt returner) and should see schemed touches in Beck’s motion-heavy offense. Adams’ versatility and open-field burst give him a higher floor than the unproven underclassmen behind him. Still, keep an eye on redshirt freshman Cameran Dickson, a top-100 Texas recruit with track speed. Dickson could push for the WR4 role after a developmental year – he has the explosiveness to climb this depth chart if he refines his game. Rounding out the receiving corps are two contrasting sophomores: Kayleb Barnett, an undersized (5’8″, 150) state sprint champion who offers elite speed on gadget plays, and Lebron Hill, a 6’4″ target with raw talent. Barnett’s lightning quickness might earn him manufactured touches (jet sweeps, screens), whereas Hill’s size could become a factor in red-zone packages as he develops. For now they sit at WR5 and WR6 respectively – each has a path to relevance but will need either an injury ahead of them or significant offseason strides to command consistent targets. Vanderbilt’s passing game will still funnel primarily through Sherrill and the top transfers, so the younger receivers are more stash-and-watch options in fantasy.

The tight end position in this offense is essentially a co-starter situation, given how heavily Vanderbilt features TEs under Tim Beck. Senior Cole Spence is penciled in as TE1 due to his experience and every-down role. At 6’7″, Spence is a big inline target who already logged 15 catches, 233 yards and 2 TD last year despite sharing time with All-SEC TE Eli Stowers. With Stowers off to the NFL, Spence’s snap count and red-zone usage should only grow – he’s the “traditional” tight end and a trusted blocker, virtually guaranteed to lead the unit in snap share. However, transfer Jayvontay Conner profiles as a fantasy-relevant TE2 and a direct replacement for Stowers’ receiving production. Conner was an above-average receiving tight end at ECU (23 receptions, 333 yards, 3 TD in 2025) and arrives to fill the flex ‘joker’ TE spot that Stowers excelled in. Vanderbilt explicitly targeted him because Beck’s offense uses multiple tight ends “as much as just about any team in college football”. Expect Spence to handle the dirty work and still chip in as a short-area and play-action target, while Conner is deployed to create mismatches down the seam and in the red zone. Both TEs could have fantasy value in this system – Spence offers the higher floor via steady involvement, and Conner brings a higher ceiling for big plays and yards after catch. Finally, kicker Brock Taylor locks down K1 after a stellar 2025. Taylor was nearly automatic (93% FGs, 98% PATs) and piled up 99 points on the season. With Vanderbilt’s offense expected to remain productive even post-Pavia, Taylor’s accuracy and volume make him a top-tier college fantasy kicker. In summary, this depth chart balances proven production with incoming talent: when in doubt, Vanderbilt is giving precedence to the players who combine opportunity with playmaking upside – a philosophy that should continue to yield fantasy-friendly numbers in 2026.

2️⃣ Final Depth Chart Output: