Following its first double-digit-winning season in program history, Vanderbilt aims to secure a third consecutive winning campaign as it hosts Austin Peay on Saturday evening in Nashville.
The Commodores, guided by 2025 Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Clark Lea, Mackey Award-winning tight end Eli Stowers, and Heisman Trophy runner-up Diego Pavia, stunned the college football landscape a year ago with a 10-3 record. Lea is the sole returning member of that historic trio, yet he enters the season with arguably the deepest roster of his six-year tenure at Vanderbilt.
The primary uncertainty surrounding the Commodores centers on replacing Pavia, who amassed 3,539 passing yards, 862 rushing yards, and 39 total touchdowns last season.
Initially, it appeared freshman Jared Curtis, a Nashville native and the nation’s No. 2 recruit in the 2026 class according to 247 Sports, would seize the starting role. He impressed during the spring, boasts a rocket arm, and possesses surprising velocity for a 230-pound frame.
However, senior Blaze Berlowitz, who served as Pavia’s backup last year, ultimately won the starting job during fall camp. Berlowitz demonstrated a superior command of offensive coordinator Tim Beck’s system, a system the two have shared for four years spanning New Mexico State and Vanderbilt.
Both quarterbacks are expected to see action on Saturday.
The Commodores project as season-winners, bolstered by a multifaceted running game featuring returning backs Sedrick Alexander and Makhilyn Young, a rebuilt offensive line, and an improved defense anchored by Clemson transfer safety Ricardo Jones, who recorded six interceptions last season.
Vanderbilt will face a Governors squad that climbed to No. 14 in this week’s FCS coaches’ poll following a 35-17 victory over Gardner-Webb on August 27. Quarterback Chris Parson, who played high school at Ravenwood—just 16 miles from Vanderbilt’s campus—threw for 308 yards and a touchdown against one interception, while also rushing for 31 yards and another score.
“Austin Peay is an exceptional offensive team that excels at explosive plays and capitalizing on opportunities,” Lea stated. “Defensively, they are very disciplined, keeping things close to the line of scrimmage and forcing teams to grind out drives. Their pressure package is impressive and intelligent, and they field a smart, well-designed running game.”
The Governors trailed Gardner-Webb early in the game before pulling away in the third quarter.
“Finishing strong was critical, and I think our guys gained confidence through their play,” coach Jeff Faris said. “It confirmed what we already know: when our process is sound, we play well. I am very excited to see our team take on Vanderbilt next week.”
The two schools, whose campuses sit roughly an hour’s drive apart, will meet for the third time in program history. Vanderbilt secured blowout victories over Austin Peay in both 2013 and 2015.
