Vanderbilt

The quarterback who orchestrated Vanderbilt's stunning upset of #1 Alabama and delivered the program's best season in decades is gone. Diego Pavia exhausted his eligibility after leading the Commodores to a 10-2 breakthrough, leaving behind massive shoes to fill at the sport's most crucial position. The good news: Vanderbilt's portal work kept pace with departures, bringing in 18 arrivals worth 47.3 PPA to replace 19 departures totaling 48.7 PPA. Ja'Cory Thomas headlines the incoming class after posting 23.4 PPA at Old Dominion, joining fellow receiver Cole Adams from Alabama and tight end Jayvontay Conner from East Carolina to help replace departed wideout Tre Richardson (43.4 PPA). The offense projects as elite again at +11.9 points (#3 nationally), while new defensive coordinator Steve Gregory inherits a unit that grades out at -0.5 (#72).

JP+ forecasts 6.9 wins for the Commodores, banking on offensive continuity despite the quarterback change and special teams excellence that ranks second nationally. The defense represents the biggest question mark after allowing Vanderbilt's breakthrough season, but offensive coordinator retention provides stability for whoever wins the quarterback competition. Road trips to Georgia and Florida anchor a challenging SEC slate, while home games against Arkansas and non-conference matchups with Delaware and Austin Peay offer win opportunities. If the new signal-caller captures even half of Pavia's impact, Vanderbilt stays competitive in the expanded SEC. If not, that elite offensive rating becomes meaningless without execution under center.