Get ready, Commodore faithful! The Vanderbilt football program has unveiled its highly anticipated 2025 schedule, featuring an electrifying slate of opponents that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats throughout the season. With a mix of familiar foes and exciting new matchups, Vanderbilt’s 2025 campaign is shaping up to be one of its most thrilling yet.
The Commodores will kick off their season with a home opener against the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders, a longtime in-state rival. This will be followed by a road trip to face the South Carolina Gamecocks, a perennial contender in the Southeastern Conference. Vanderbilt will then return to Nashville to host the Alabama Crimson Tide, one of the most dominant programs in college football history. The Tide have won 18 national championships and are always a formidable opponent, making this matchup a must-see event for any college football enthusiast.
As the season progresses, Vanderbilt will face a challenging road schedule, including trips to face the Florida Gators, the Georgia Bulldogs, and the Texas A&M Aggies. These games will test the Commodores’ mettle against some of the nation’s top teams and provide opportunities for Vanderbilt to make a statement on the national stage. On the home front, Vanderbilt will host the Ole Miss Rebels, the Missouri Tigers, and the Kentucky Wildcats, all of whom are formidable opponents in their own right. These games will be crucial for Vanderbilt to build momentum and secure bowl eligibility.
The Road Ahead: Vanderbilt’s 2025 Football Schedule Unveiled
Vanderbilt football has released its 2025 schedule, which features a mix of familiar foes and new challenges. The Commodores will open the season at home against Elon on August 30th, before traveling to face Georgia State on September 6th. Vanderbilt will then host Colorado State on September 13th, before opening SEC play at home against South Carolina on September 20th.
Non-Conference Schedule
The Commodores’ non-conference schedule features three home games and two road games. Vanderbilt will open the season at home against Elon on August 30th, before traveling to face Georgia State on September 6th. The Commodores will then host Colorado State on September 13th. Vanderbilt’s final two non-conference games will be on the road, as they will travel to face Wake Forest on September 27th and BYU on October 4th.
The Commodores have a 4-1 record all-time against Elon, including a 34-14 win in their last meeting in 2019. Vanderbilt is 1-2 all-time against Georgia State, but they have won the last two meetings, including a 37-20 win in 2022. The Commodores are 1-0 all-time against Colorado State, with their only meeting coming in 2016, which Vanderbilt won 34-17. Vanderbilt is 2-0 all-time against Wake Forest, with their last meeting coming in 2021, which Vanderbilt won 45-25. The Commodores are 0-1 all-time against BYU, with their only meeting coming in 2018, which BYU won 23-16.
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| August 30 | Elon | Nashville, TN |
| September 6 | Georgia State | Atlanta, GA |
| September 13 | Colorado State | Nashville, TN |
| September 27 | Wake Forest | Winston-Salem, NC |
| October 4 | BYU | Provo, UT |
Home Sweet Home: Protecting Fortress Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt Stadium has long been a fortress for the Commodores. Since its opening in 1922, the stadium has hosted some of the most memorable moments in Vanderbilt football history. In 2023, the Commodores will celebrate the 100th anniversary of their stadium, and they plan to do so by making it even more difficult for opponents to win there.
Protecting the Home Turf
Vanderbilt has a strong home field advantage, and they will need it in 2023. The Commodores have a tough schedule this year, with games against several ranked opponents. In order to have a successful season, Vanderbilt will need to win their home games. The Commodores have won their last three home games, and they will be looking to extend that streak in 2023.
The Commodores have a number of key players returning this season, including quarterback Mike Wright and running back Ray Davis. Wright is a dual-threat quarterback who can make plays with his arm and his legs. Davis is a powerful running back who is coming off a breakout season. With these two players leading the way, the Commodores should be able to put up points at home.
| Opponent | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Elon | August 31 | 7:00 PM |
| Hawaii | September 9 | 3:00 PM |
| Kentucky | September 16 | 7:30 PM |
| Wake Forest | September 23 | 3:00 PM |
| Mississippi State | September 30 | 6:30 PM |
| Alabama | October 7 | 2:30 PM |
| Missouri | October 21 | 6:30 PM |
| South Carolina | October 28 | 3:00 PM |
| Florida | November 4 | 11:00 AM |
| Ole Miss | November 11 | 6:30 PM |
| Tennessee | November 18 | 3:00 PM |
Beyond the Lines: Challenging the Southeastern Conference
Expanding Horizons: Non-Conference Matchups
Vanderbilt will face a diverse range of opponents outside of the SEC in 2025. The Commodores open the season with a home game against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, a familiar in-state rival. They then travel to face the Cincinnati Bearcats, a rising program that won the AAC championship in 2021. Vanderbilt’s non-conference schedule concludes with a home contest against the Colorado State Rams, who are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 campaign.
Navigating the SEC East
Within the SEC East, Vanderbilt faces a gauntlet of challenging matchups. The Commodores open their conference slate with a road game against the reigning SEC champions, the Georgia Bulldogs. They then return home to face the Florida Gators, who are eager to prove their resurgence under head coach Billy Napier. Vanderbilt also travels to Lexington to take on the Kentucky Wildcats, who have become a consistent challenger in the SEC East.
Enhancing the Roster: Key Additions and Departures
Vanderbilt has made significant roster moves in preparation for the 2025 season. The Commodores have added several talented recruits, including 4-star running back Jaydn Ott and 4-star wide receiver Joshua Josephs. They have also brought in several transfers, such as quarterback Walter Nolen from Texas A&M and linebacker Ernest Hausmann from North Carolina. Vanderbilt has also seen some key departures, including starting quarterback Mike Wright and leading receiver Will Sheppard.
| Player | Position | Movement |
|---|---|---|
| Jaydn Ott | Running Back | Arrived (Recruit) |
| Walter Nolen | Quarterback | Arrived (Transfer) |
| Ernest Hausmann | Linebacker | Arrived (Transfer) |
| Mike Wright | Quarterback | Departed |
| Will Sheppard | Wide Receiver | Departed |
Rivalry Renewed: Vanderbilt Faces Traditional Foes
Game 1: Ole Miss Rebels
Vanderbilt opens its 2025 campaign with a rivalry clash against the Ole Miss Rebels, a team it has faced 83 times previously. The Rebels hold a slight edge in the all-time series (44-35-4), but Vanderbilt has won two of the last three meetings.
Game 2: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
The Commodores host Western Kentucky, an FCS powerhouse, in their second game of the season. Vanderbilt has a perfect record against the Hilltoppers, winning both previous meetings in 2011 and 2015.
Game 3: Northern Illinois Huskies
Vanderbilt travels to DeKalb, Illinois, to take on the Northern Illinois Huskies in a non-conference matchup. The two teams have never met before, making this a fresh and intriguing challenge for both squads.
Game 4: Kentucky Wildcats
The Commonwealth Cup rivalry is renewed in Lexington as Vanderbilt faces the Kentucky Wildcats. This annual showdown pits two in-state schools against each other, and the Wildcats have held the upper hand in recent years, winning four of the last five meetings.
| Year | Result |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Kentucky 24, Vanderbilt 21 |
| 2021 | Kentucky 42, Vanderbilt 21 |
| 2022 | Kentucky 31, Vanderbilt 17 |
| 2023 | Kentucky 38, Vanderbilt 13 |
| 2024 | Vanderbilt at Kentucky |
Vanderbilt will be hoping to break the Wildcats’ current four-game winning streak and reignite their own dominance in this historic rivalry.
Coastal Chaos: Tackling the Atlantic Division
Vanderbilt’s 2025 schedule features a gauntlet of opponents from the ACC’s Atlantic Division, including three road contests against perennial contenders. The Commodores will need to navigate these challenging matchups to make a mark in the conference.
Florida State
The Seminoles are a perennial powerhouse and will provide a stern test for Vanderbilt in their first Atlantic Division game. Florida State’s explosive offense and physical defense will challenge the Commodores on both sides of the ball.
Boston College
Boston College offers a different type of challenge with their run-heavy offense and opportunistic defense. The Commodores will have to contain the Eagles’ ground attack while creating turnovers to earn a win.
Syracuse
Syracuse presents a balanced and experienced team that can challenge Vanderbilt in all three phases of the game. The Orange have a prolific passer in Garrett Shrader and a strong defense led by All-American safety Duce Chestnut.
Louisville
Louisville is a rising program under coach Scott Satterfield and will be looking to make a statement against Vanderbilt. The Cardinals have a high-powered offense and a talented defense that can force turnovers.
Wake Forest
Wake Forest is one of the most dynamic teams in the ACC with their “Flyin’ Deacs” offense. The Demon Deacons are led by quarterback Sam Hartman, who is one of the most prolific passers in the nation. Vanderbilt will need to put pressure on Hartman and force turnovers to have a chance at victory.
| Opponent | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Florida State | September 13 | Tallahassee, FL |
| Boston College | September 27 | Vanderbilt Stadium |
| Syracuse | October 11 | Syracuse, NY |
| Louisville | November 8 | Vanderbilt Stadium |
| Wake Forest | November 29 | Winston-Salem, NC |
Western Windfall: Opportunities in the Western Division
Non-Conference Foes Provide a Soft Launch
Vanderbilt’s 2025 non-conference schedule offers winnable games against Middle Tennessee and Austin Peay, providing a soft landing for Lea’s young squad. The matchup against James Madison, an FCS powerhouse, will be a stern test, but the Commodores should have a shot at victory.
West Division Shakeup Creates Favorable Path
The SEC’s realignment in 2025 has shuffled the West division, removing some of Vanderbilt’s toughest opponents. With traditional powerhouses Alabama, LSU, and Texas A&M now in the East, the Commodores have a more favorable path to conference wins.
Consecutive Home Games Offer Redemption
Vanderbilt will host consecutive home games against Ole Miss and Missouri in 2025, providing a chance to rebuild fan support and create a winning atmosphere in Nashville. Both opponents are beatable, giving the Commodores a prime opportunity to secure back-to-back victories.
Arkansas Road Trip a Pivotal Test
The Commodores’ lone road trip in the Western division will take them to Fayetteville to face Arkansas. The Razorbacks are a rising program under Coach Sam Pittman, but Vanderbilt has shown competitive spirit against them in recent years.
Mississippi State Matchup: A Clash of Rivalries
The Battle for the Golden Egg against Mississippi State is always a heated affair. In 2025, the game will be played in Starkville, providing a challenging road environment for Vanderbilt. However, the Commodores have a proud history against the Bulldogs and will be motivated to add another trophy to their case.
### A Critical Six-Game Stretch
From October 18th to November 15th, Vanderbilt faces a crucial six-game stretch that will define their season:
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| October 18th | Missouri | Home |
| October 25th | Ole Miss | Home |
| November 1st | @ Kentucky | Away |
| November 8th | Georgia | Home |
| November 15th | @ Arkansas | Away |
| November 29th | Tennessee | Home |
This stretch includes three consecutive home games, offering a golden opportunity for Vanderbilt to build momentum. However, they will also face stiff competition from Kentucky, Georgia, and Arkansas. The Commodores must navigate this gauntlet if they want to make a bowl appearance in 2025.
Seasoned Adversaries: Matchups with Top Teams
Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama poses a daunting challenge for Vanderbilt in 2025. The Crimson Tide, led by Nick Saban, are perennial contenders in college football. Vanderbilt has faced Alabama 25 times in the past, winning only one game. Their last meeting was in 2020, where Vanderbilt suffered a 42-13 defeat.
Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia has emerged as a powerhouse in recent years. The Bulldogs have won the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2021 and 2022. Vanderbilt has fared poorly against Georgia in the past, losing 10 straight games. Their last matchup was in 2021, resulting in a 62-0 shutout for Georgia.
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Mississippi State is a regional rival that Vanderbilt has often struggled against. In their last meeting in 2022, Vanderbilt suffered a 45-6 loss. The Bulldogs are led by Mike Leach, known for his innovative offensive schemes, and boast a talented roster.
Missouri Tigers
Missouri is another SEC opponent that has given Vanderbilt difficulty. The Tigers have won the last five meetings between the schools, including a 38-27 victory in 2022. Missouri has a solid program under Eli Drinkwitz, and they are expected to be competitive in the East Division.
Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky is a familiar foe for Vanderbilt, having played 50 times historically. The Wildcats have held the upper hand in recent years, winning three of the last four meetings. In 2022, Kentucky emerged victorious with a 24-17 score.
South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina is an SEC East rival that Vanderbilt has faced 29 times. The Gamecocks have a 19-8-2 record against Vanderbilt overall. In their last matchup in 2022, South Carolina won 38-21.
Underdog and Upstart: Facing Emerging Programs
Vanderbilt’s 2025 schedule pits them against a variety of opponents, including several emerging programs who have made waves in recent years.
Mississippi State
The Bulldogs have emerged as a force in the SEC West under coach Mike Leach, posting back-to-back wins over ranked opponents in 2022. With a talented roster returning, they will be a formidable test for the Commodores in Nashville.
Missouri
The Tigers have shown signs of improvement under coach Eliah Drinkwitz, winning six games in 2022 and earning a bowl bid. Their offense, led by quarterback Brady Cook, could pose problems for Vanderbilt’s defense.
Texas Tech
The Red Raiders have made a meteoric rise under coach Joey McGuire, winning eight games in 2022 and upsetting Texas in Lubbock. They have a dynamic passing attack that could stretch Vanderbilt’s secondary.
Boston College
The Eagles have consistently surprised under coach Jeff Hafley, winning eight games in 2022 and earning a bowl bid. Their defense, led by All-American linebacker Kam Arnold, will be a tough challenge for Vanderbilt’s offense.
Georgia Southern
The Eagles, coached by Clay Helton, transitioned to FBS play in 2014 and won their first bowl game in 2022. They have a dynamic offense led by quarterback Kyle Vantrease and running back Jalen White.
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| September 6 | UT Martin | Nashville, TN |
| September 13 | Mississippi State | Nashville, TN |
| September 20 | at Missouri | Columbia, MO |
| September 27 | at Texas Tech | Lubbock, TX |
| October 4 | Boston College | Nashville, TN |
| October 11 | Georgia Southern | Nashville, TN |
| October 18 | at Kentucky | Lexington, KY |
| November 1 | South Carolina | Nashville, TN |
| November 8 | at Ole Miss | Oxford, MS |
| November 15 | at Florida | Gainesville, FL |
| November 22 | Tennessee | Nashville, TN |
A Glimpse of the Future: Anticipating the 2025 Season
Vanderbilt Football is on the cusp of a new era, and the highly anticipated 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With a dynamic roster, an experienced coaching staff, and a passionate fanbase, the Commodores are poised to make a significant impact on the college football landscape. Let’s delve into the key highlights of the upcoming season:
Non-Conference Matchups
The Commodores’ non-conference schedule provides a challenging and diverse lineup of opponents, including:
- August 30th: Home opener against the UAB Blazers
- September 6th: Away game at the Tennessee Volunteers
- September 13th: Home game against the Elon Phoenix
- September 20th: Away game at the Purdue Boilermakers
SEC East Division Schedule
Vanderbilt will face each of the other six teams in the SEC East Division, including:
- October 4th: Home game against the South Carolina Gamecocks
- October 11th: Away game at the Missouri Tigers
- October 18th: Home game against the Kentucky Wildcats
- October 25th: Away game at the Georgia Bulldogs
- November 1st: Home game against the Florida Gators
- November 8th: Away game at the Tennessee Volunteers
SEC West Division Matchup
The Commodores will also face one opponent from the SEC West Division:
- November 15th: Home game against the Arkansas Razorbacks
Rivalry Game
Vanderbilt’s historic rivalry with the Tennessee Volunteers will reach its 132nd chapter in 2025, with the game taking place in Knoxville on November 8th.
Home Games
Vanderbilt will host a total of six home games in 2025, providing fans with ample opportunities to witness the Commodores in action:
- UAB Blazers (August 30th)
- Elon Phoenix (September 13th)
- South Carolina Gamecocks (October 4th)
- Kentucky Wildcats (October 18th)
- Florida Gators (November 1st)
- Arkansas Razorbacks (November 15th)
Away Games
The Commodores will embark on six away games in 2025, facing some of the top teams in the country:
- Tennessee Volunteers (September 6th)
- Purdue Boilermakers (September 20th)
- Missouri Tigers (October 11th)
- Georgia Bulldogs (October 25th)
- Tennessee Volunteers (November 8th)
Player Outlook
Vanderbilt boasts a talented roster, led by experienced veterans and promising newcomers. Key players to watch include:
- Quarterback: AJ Swann (Junior)
- Running Back: Re’Mahn Davis (Senior)
- Wide Receiver: Jayden McGowan (Junior)
- Linebacker: De’Rickey Wright (Senior)
- Cornerback: Jaylen Mahoney (Junior)
Coaching Staff
Head coach Clark Lea enters his fourth season at the helm with a proven track record of success. His experienced coaching staff includes several former NFL coaches, providing the Commodores with invaluable expertise and leadership.
With a favorable schedule, talented roster, and skilled coaching staff, Vanderbilt Football is poised for a memorable 2025 season that promises excitement, passion, and a bright future for the program.
Vanderbilt Football 2025 Schedule
The Vanderbilt Commodores football team will open the 2025 season at home against the Tennessee Volunteers on August 30. The Commodores will then travel to face the Alabama Crimson Tide on September 6 and the Texas A&M Aggies on September 13. Vanderbilt will host the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on September 20 before traveling to face the Kentucky Wildcats on September 27.
The Commodores will open October with a home game against the Missouri Tigers on October 4. Vanderbilt will then travel to face the South Carolina Gamecocks on October 11 and the Ole Miss Rebels on October 18. The Commodores will host the Florida Gators on October 25 before traveling to face the Georgia Bulldogs on November 1.
Vanderbilt will open November with a home game against the Auburn Tigers on November 8. The Commodores will then travel to face the Arkansas Razorbacks on November 15 and the LSU Tigers on November 22. Vanderbilt will close out the 2025 season at home against the Tennessee Volunteers on November 29.
People Also Ask About Vanderbilt Football 2025 Schedule
When is Vanderbilt’s first home game in 2025?
Vanderbilt’s first home game in 2025 is against the Tennessee Volunteers on August 30.
When is Vanderbilt’s first away game in 2025?
Vanderbilt’s first away game in 2025 is against the Alabama Crimson Tide on September 6.
What is Vanderbilt’s record against Tennessee?
Vanderbilt’s record against Tennessee is 18-47-5.
