Vanderbilt 2025 Football Schedule Announced

Vanderbilt 2025 football schedule

Brace yourself, Commodore faithful, for the adrenaline-pumping spectacle that awaits you during the 2025 football campaign. Vanderbilt’s gridiron warriors are set to embark on an electrifying journey that promises nail-biting contests, thrilling comebacks, and unwavering determination. From the hallowed grounds of Vanderbilt Stadium to the hallowed turf of iconic venues across the nation, the Commodores are poised to showcase their mettle and ignite the passion that burns within every true fan.

The 2025 season unfolds with a tantalizing non-conference slate that will put the Commodores’ resilience to the ultimate test. The curtain rises on a thunderous note as Vanderbilt welcomes the formidable Indiana Hoosiers to Nashville for a captivating clash. This rivalry, steeped in history and mutual respect, promises to be a battle of wits and physical prowess. Next, the Commodores embark on a perilous road trip to face the mighty Texas Longhorns in the heart of the Lone Star State. With a storied program and a passionate fan base, the Longhorns pose a formidable challenge that will demand the Commodores’ unwavering focus and steadfast resolve.

As the season progresses, Vanderbilt faces an unyielding gauntlet of Southeastern Conference opponents. The Commodores will clash with longtime foes like Alabama, Auburn, and Florida, teams that have consistently defined excellence in the sport. These epic contests will be a true test of character and a testament to the unwavering spirit of Vanderbilt football. Each game represents an opportunity to etch a chapter into the annals of Commodore history and prove that the Black and Gold are a force to be reckoned with.

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Unveiling the Future: Vanderbilt Football’s 2025 Schedule

Week 1: Setting the Stage against the Tar Heels

Vanderbilt kicks off its 2025 campaign with a home game against the North Carolina Tar Heels. This will be the first meeting between the two programs since 2018. North Carolina enters the matchup as a perennial ACC contender, having won the conference championship twice in the past four years. Vanderbilt will need to showcase its defensive prowess and offensive explosiveness to upset the Tar Heels in their season opener.

The Commodore defense will face a tough test against North Carolina’s high-powered passing attack, led by quarterback Drake Maye. Vanderbilt will rely on its experienced secondary to make big plays and generate turnovers. Offensively, Vanderbilt will look to establish a balance between the run and pass, utilizing the talents of running back Jayden McGowan and quarterback AJ Swann.

With a raucous home crowd cheering them on, Vanderbilt has a chance to make a statement in its first game of the 2025 season. A victory over North Carolina would provide a significant boost of confidence and set the tone for the rest of the campaign.

Week 2: A Trip to the SEC East Rivals Georgia

After a home opener against North Carolina, Vanderbilt faces a formidable test in Week 2 as they travel to Athens to take on the Georgia Bulldogs. Georgia, the reigning College Football Playoff champions, will be a heavy favorite in this matchup.

Vanderbilt will need to play a near-perfect game to have a chance against Georgia. The Commodore defense will have to contain the Bulldogs’ explosive ground attack, led by running back Kenny McIntosh. Offensively, Vanderbilt will need to find ways to move the ball against a Georgia defense that is known for its physicality and playmaking ability.

While an upset over Georgia would be a monumental achievement, Vanderbilt should view this game as an opportunity to gain valuable experience against one of the best teams in the country. The Commodores can use this matchup as a measuring stick to identify areas for improvement as they continue to build their program.

Week	Opponent	Location
1	North Carolina	Nashville, TN
2	Georgia	Athens, GA
3	Purdue	Nashville, TN
4	South Carolina	Columbia, SC
5	Ole Miss	Nashville, TN

A Journey to Triumph: Home and Away Battlegrounds

Home: A Fortress to Conquer

Vanderbilt Stadium, known as “The Vandy,” will play host to an array of formidable opponents in 2025. The season kicks off on August 30th against the Elon Phoenix, setting the tone for a series of challenging matchups. The Commodores will welcome the Indiana Hoosiers on September 6th, followed by the Alabama Crimson Tide, the reigning SEC champions, on September 20th. Other notable opponents making their appearance at The Vandy include the Missouri Tigers, the South Carolina Gamecocks, the Kentucky Wildcats, and the Ole Miss Rebels.

Away: Uncharted Territories

The Commodores will embark on a series of road trips that will test their mettle in hostile environments. The season opener presents an immediate challenge as they face the defending ACC champion Syracuse Orange in the Carrier Dome. Vanderbilt will also venture into the heart of SEC country, taking on the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium, the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium, and the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Other away games include visits to the Auburn Tigers, the Florida Gators, and the Tennessee Volunteers.

Date	Opponent	Location
August 30th	Elon Phoenix	Vanderbilt Stadium
September 6th	Indiana Hoosiers	Vanderbilt Stadium
September 20th	Alabama Crimson Tide	Vanderbilt Stadium
September 27th	Syracuse Orange	Carrier Dome
October 11th	Missouri Tigers	Vanderbilt Stadium
October 18th	South Carolina Gamecocks	Vanderbilt Stadium
October 25th	Kentucky Wildcats	Vanderbilt Stadium
November 1st	Georgia Bulldogs	Sanford Stadium
November 8th	LSU Tigers	Tiger Stadium
November 15th	Auburn Tigers	Jordan-Hare Stadium
November 22nd	Texas A&M Aggies	Kyle Field
November 29th	Florida Gators	Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
December 6th	Tennessee Volunteers	Neyland Stadium
December 13th	Ole Miss Rebels	Vanderbilt Stadium

Navigating the Powerhouse SEC Landscape

Vanderbilt, a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), enters the 2025 season with a demanding schedule that features several high-profile matchups against formidable opponents. The Commodores will face stiff competition in both the Eastern and Western divisions of the SEC, which are known for their strong football programs and heated rivalries.

Notable SEC East Division Clashes

Vanderbilt’s SEC East slate features some of the conference’s most storied programs. They will travel to Gainesville, Florida, to face the defending national champion Florida Gators. They will also make trips to South Carolina and Kentucky, where they will face the Gamecocks and Wildcats, respectively.

Challenging SEC West Division Contests

The Commodores’ schedule in the SEC West Division is no less daunting. They will host the defending conference champion Alabama Crimson Tide in Nashville, a matchup that always carries significant weight in the college football landscape. Additionally, they will face the LSU Tigers, Mississippi Bulldogs, and Arkansas Razorbacks on the road in what promises to be a series of hard-fought battles.

Non-Conference Matchups

In addition to their SEC obligations, Vanderbilt will also face a pair of non-conference opponents in 2025. They will open the season at home against the Austin Peay Governors of the FCS level before traveling to College Station, Texas, to take on the Texas A&M Aggies of the SEC.

Non-Conference Tests of Will and Skill

Game 1: August 31 vs. Hawaii

Vanderbilt opens its 2025 season with a non-conference tilt against Hawaii. The Rainbow Warriors struggled in 2024, finishing 4-8, but they return some key players on offense, including quarterback Brayden Schager and running back Dedrick Parson.

Game 2: September 6 vs. Furman

The Commodores will host FCS opponent Furman in Week 2. The Paladins are a perennial contender in the Southern Conference, and they have won at least eight games in each of the past three seasons.

Game 3: September 13 at Notre Dame

Vanderbilt will face a daunting challenge in Week 3 when they travel to South Bend to take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Notre Dame is consistently one of the top teams in the country, and they will be looking to avenge their loss to Vanderbilt in 2024.

Game 4: September 20 vs. Kansas State

The Commodores will host Kansas State in Week 4 in a game that could have major implications for both teams. Kansas State is a rising program under head coach Chris Klieman, and they will be looking to build on their 8-5 record in 2024. The Wildcats return a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, including quarterback Adrian Martinez and running back Deuce Vaughn.

This will be a tough test for Vanderbilt, but it is also an opportunity for the Commodores to make a statement early in the season. If Vanderbilt can pull off the upset, it would give them a major boost of confidence and would set the tone for the rest of the season.

The Wildcats are coming off a 9-3 season in 2024, and they return a lot of talent on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Adrian Martinez is back for his senior season, and he is one of the most dynamic playmakers in the country. Running back Deuce Vaughn is also back, and he is one of the most productive running backs in the nation. The Wildcats’ defense is led by linebacker Daniel Green, who is one of the best pass rushers in the country.

The Commodores will need to play their best game of the season to have a chance to beat Kansas State. The Wildcats are a talented team, and they will be looking to make a statement in their first game of the season. If Vanderbilt can pull off the upset, it would be a huge win for the program and would give them a lot of momentum heading into the rest of the season.

Revenge and Redemption: Rivalry Games Return

Vanderbilt’s 2025 football schedule features several key rivalry games, offering opportunities for revenge and redemption. These matchups hold significant historical weight, providing added intensity and motivation for both teams.

Vanderbilt vs. Tennessee

One of the most bitter rivalries in the SEC, the Vanderbilt-Tennessee matchup has been played annually since 1892. In recent years, Tennessee has dominated the series, winning the last four meetings. Vanderbilt will be eager to break this skid and reclaim bragging rights.

Vanderbilt vs. Georgia Tech

Vanderbilt and Georgia Tech have met annually since 1990 as part of the SEC-ACC rivalry series. The Yellow Jackets have won three of the last four matchups, including a 38-24 victory in 2022. Vanderbilt will look to snap their losing streak and regain momentum in this cross-conference rivalry.

Vanderbilt vs. Ole Miss

The Commodores and Rebels have played sporadically since 1894, but their rivalry has intensified in recent years. Ole Miss has won five of the last six matchups, including a 31-17 victory in 2022. Vanderbilt will be determined to get revenge and improve its record against the Rebels.

Vanderbilt vs. Kentucky

The Commodores and Wildcats have met annually since 1954 as part of the SEC East division. Kentucky has won the last three matchups, including a 24-21 victory in 2022. Vanderbilt will look to turn the tide and secure a much-needed SEC win against their in-state rival.

Vanderbilt vs. Missouri

The Commodores and Tigers have played annually since Missouri joined the SEC in 2012. The series is currently tied at 6-6. Vanderbilt will be eager to take the lead in this matchup and establish their dominance in the SEC East.

Date	Opponent	Location
August 28	Austin Peay	Nashville, TN
September 6	Texas A&M	College Station, TX
September 13	Florida	Gainesville, FL
September 20	Alabama	Nashville, TN
September 27	LSU	Baton Rouge, LA
October 4	South Carolina	Columbia, SC
October 11	Mississippi	Oxford, MS
October 25	Kentucky	Lexington, KY
November 1	Arkansas	Fayetteville, AR

Opponent	Date
Tennessee	September 13
Georgia Tech	September 20
Ole Miss	October 4
Kentucky	October 18
Missouri	November 1

Potential Roadblocks

Vanderbilt’s schedule includes several potentially challenging opponents. They face the defending national champions, the Georgia Bulldogs, in Athens in September and must travel to Auburn in October. They also have a tough road game at Missouri in November.

Pathway to Success

Vanderbilt’s success in 2025 will depend on several factors, including:

Recruiting

Vanderbilt needs to continue to improve its recruiting. They have made progress in recent years, but they need to continue to bring in top talent to compete with the top teams in the SEC.

Quarterback Play

Vanderbilt’s quarterback play was inconsistent in 2022. They need to find a quarterback who can consistently make plays and lead the offense.

Offensive Line Play

Vanderbilt’s offensive line struggled in 2022. They need to improve their pass protection and create more running lanes for their running backs.

Defensive Improvements

Vanderbilt’s defense allowed too many points in 2022. They need to improve their tackling and generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Special Teams Play

Vanderbilt’s special teams play was solid in 2022. They need to continue to play at a high level in this area.

Coaching

Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea is entering his fourth season. He has shown some promise, but he needs to continue to develop the program and get the Commodores to bowl eligibility.

Treacherous Territory: SEC East Division Matchups

### Runnin’ with the Gators (Florida)

The Commodores will meet the Florida Gators in Week 5 for their first SEC East clash. Having lost their last matchup in 2019, Vanderbilt will look to snap a five-game losing streak against the Gators.

### A Battle for the Palmetto Bowl (South Carolina)

Week 7 brings the annual “Battle for the Palmetto Bowl” against the South Carolina Gamecocks. Vanderbilt has a 4-13 record against South Carolina, making this matchup a great opportunity to improve their conference standing.

### Battle of the Blues (Kentucky)

In Week 11, Vanderbilt faces the Kentucky Wildcats in the “Battle of the Blues.” Kentucky has won the last three meetings, including a decisive 24-10 victory in 2022.

### Rocky Top Showdown (Tennessee)

For the season finale, Vanderbilt travels to Knoxville to face the Tennessee Volunteers. The Commodores have a dismal 2-27 record against Tennessee, making this matchup a monumental challenge to close out the season.

High-Stakes Showdowns: SEC West Division Encounters

No. 8 Ole Miss Rebels (October 29, Nashville, Tennessee)

The matchup against Ole Miss will be a crucial test for both teams, as they are both expected to be contenders in the SEC West. The Rebels have a dynamic offense led by quarterback Matt Corral, while the Commodores have a stout defense that has the potential to be among the best in the conference. This game could have significant implications for the race to the SEC Championship Game.

Ole Miss has won the last two meetings between the two teams, including a 31-17 victory in Nashville in 2019. However, Vanderbilt has a history of playing Ole Miss tough in recent years, and they will be looking to break their losing streak against the Rebels in 2022.

The Rebels are currently ranked No. 8 in the AP Poll, while the Commodores are unranked. However, Vanderbilt has shown that they can compete with the best teams in the conference, and they will be looking to prove that they are a team to be reckoned with in 2022.

Team	Record	Points For	Points Against
Ole Miss Rebels	10-3	449	317
Vanderbilt Commodores	6-6	328	341

Catalyst for Growth: Non-Conference Opportunities

Vanderbilt’s 2025 football schedule presents an exciting opportunity for the Commodores to test themselves against a diverse array of opponents. The non-conference matchups provide a chance to showcase Vanderbilt’s progress and potentially build momentum towards future success.

9. Stanford Cardinal

Facing Stanford on the road is a significant challenge that will push Vanderbilt to the limits. The Cardinal have a storied history and boast an impressive home-field advantage. This game will be a true test of Vanderbilt’s ability to compete against an elite Pac-12 program. Should the Commodores pull off an upset, it would send a resounding statement about their progress under Head Coach Clark Lea.

Here’s a breakdown of Vanderbilt’s non-conference schedule for 2025:

Date	Opponent	Location
August 30	Rice	Nashville
September 6	Kentucky	Nashville
September 13	@Stanford	Stanford, Calif.

Challenges

Tough Schedule

Vanderbilt’s schedule features several formidable opponents. They open the season at home against East Tennessee State, but then face a gauntlet that includes trips to LSU, Georgia, and South Carolina. They also host Mississippi, Texas A&M, and Florida.

Lack of Experience

The Commodores lost several key players from last year’s team, including quarterback Mike Wright and wide receiver Will Sheppard. They will need to rely on a group of young players who have yet to prove themselves at the SEC level.

Culture Change

First-year head coach Clark Lea is implementing a new culture in Nashville. He wants his team to be tough, disciplined, and self-motivated. It will take time for this culture to take hold.

Opportunities

Fresh Start

The new season provides a chance for Vanderbilt to hit the reset button. They can put the struggles of the past behind them and start fresh with a new coaching staff and a new system.

Young Talent

Despite losing some key players, Vanderbilt still has a lot of young talent on the roster. Quarterback AJ Swann showed promise in his limited action last season, and running back Ray Davis is one of the most talented players in the SEC.

Home Field Advantage

Vanderbilt has a strong home-field advantage at Vanderbilt Stadium. They have won six of their last seven home games, and they will be looking to protect that streak in 2023.

Assistant Coaches

Lea has assembled a talented group of assistant coaches who have experience developing players. Defensive coordinator Nick Howell has a track record of success at several Power Five schools, and offensive coordinator Joey Lynch is known for his innovative play-calling.

Schedule Breakdown

Here’s a breakdown of Vanderbilt’s 2023 football schedule:

Date	Opponent	Location	Time (CT)
Saturday, Sept. 2	East Tennessee State	Nashville, Tenn.	7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 9	at LSU	Baton Rouge, La.	6 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 16	at Georgia	Athens, Ga.	11 a.m.
Saturday, Sept. 23	South Carolina	Nashville, Tenn.	3 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 30	Mississippi	Nashville, Tenn.	6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 7	Texas A&M	Nashville, Tenn.	11 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 14	at Missouri	Columbia, Mo.	11 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 21	Florida	Nashville, Tenn.	6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 28	at Kentucky	Lexington, Ky.	7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 4	Tennessee	Nashville, Tenn.	2:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 11	at South Carolina	Columbia, S.C.	TBD
Saturday, Nov. 18	at Auburn	Auburn, Ala.	TBD

2025 Vanderbilt Football Schedule Announced: A Path to Progress

The Vanderbilt Commodores have unveiled their 2025 football schedule, which features a challenging slate of opponents and provides a glimpse into the program’s path towards a brighter future. With a new head coach at the helm and a talented roster taking shape, the Commodores are poised to make a statement in the Southeastern Conference.

Vanderbilt will kick off its season at home against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels on August 30th. The following week, they will travel to face the Texas A&M Aggies in College Station, a formidable opponent that will test the Commodores’ mettle early on.

The Commodores will then return to Nashville to host the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, followed by a road game against the Kentucky Wildcats. Vanderbilt’s home SEC opener will come against the South Carolina Gamecocks on September 20th, a crucial matchup that could set the tone for the remainder of the conference schedule.