2025-11-14 15:01
Vanderbilt Football's 2024 Season Outlook and Key Players to Watch
As I sit down to analyze Vanderbilt's 2024 football prospects, I can't help but draw parallels to the basketball examples I've closely observed in other sports. Take JV Bahio's performance with NLEX - that consistency in delivering double-doubles game after game represents exactly what Vanderbilt needs from its key players this season. When I watch game tapes from last season, I see flashes of that same potential in several Commodores players who could elevate their performance to that reliable double-double equivalent in football terms - think consistent 100-yard rushing games or multiple sacks per game.
Looking at Vanderbilt's offensive lineup, quarterback AJ Swann stands out as someone who reminds me of how Peter Alfaro operates in Magnolia. Swann needs to be that complete package - running the offense like a true point guard, making smart decisions under pressure, and executing defensive reads with precision. Last season, he completed 58.7% of his passes for 1,274 yards despite missing several games due to injury. What impressed me most was his growth throughout the season - you could see him gradually understanding when to take shots downfield versus when to check down to safer options. That developmental curve gives me genuine optimism for 2024.
The receiving corps presents an interesting dynamic that could make or break Vanderbilt's season. Will Sheppard returns after his breakout 2022 season where he caught 60 passes for 776 yards, but what I'm particularly watching is how new offensive coordinator Tim Beck utilizes his talents. Sheppard has that rare combination of size and route-running precision that reminds me of how elite basketball players create separation - it's not just about physical gifts but understanding defensive schemes and finding soft spots. If he can maintain his 12.9 yards per reception average while increasing his touchdown count from last season's 9 scores, Vanderbilt's offense could surprise many SEC opponents.
What many analysts overlook when discussing Vanderbilt is the defensive transformation underway. Last season, the Commodores allowed 36.0 points per game - a number that must improve dramatically for any chance at bowl eligibility. I'm particularly intrigued by linebacker Ethan Barr's development. His 84 tackles last season don't tell the full story of his growth in reading offenses and disrupting plays. Watching his film, I see someone beginning to understand defensive schemes at that Peter Alfaro level - anticipating plays rather than just reacting to them. If defensive coordinator Nick Howell can develop two or three more defenders to that level of defensive IQ, we could see Vanderbilt's points allowed drop into the 28-30 range, which would be massive for their competitiveness.
The running game represents another crucial piece of the puzzle. Last season, Vanderbilt averaged 123.8 rushing yards per game - respectable but not dominant. What I'm watching for is whether Patrick Smith or Chase Gillespie can establish that JV Bahio-like consistency. Smith's 5.1 yards per carry average suggests potential, but he needs to become that workhorse back who can grind out tough yards in SEC play. The offensive line returns three starters, which should help establish better chemistry in running schemes. If they can push that rushing average to 150+ yards per game, it would completely change how defenses approach Vanderbilt.
Special teams often gets overlooked in these analyses, but I've always believed it's where programs like Vanderbilt can gain hidden advantages. Last season, the Commodores ranked in the bottom half of the SEC in both punt return and kick return average. Improving field position through special teams could be worth an extra touchdown per game in close contests. I'm particularly interested in watching how new special teams coordinator Justin Lustig implements his system - his track record at Army suggests we could see significant improvements in this phase.
The schedule presents both challenges and opportunities. Opening against Virginia Tech provides an immediate test, while games against Georgia and Alabama represent the typical SEC gauntlet. But what I find intriguing are the winnable conference games against Missouri, Kentucky, and Florida - matchups where Vanderbilt's development could shine through. If they can steal two of those three while holding serve against non-conference opponents, bowl eligibility becomes a realistic goal.
What gives me optimism beyond the raw numbers is the cultural shift I'm observing within the program. Coach Clark Lea has been building something that feels sustainable rather than flash-in-the-pan. The player development we've seen - like Anfernee Orji's transformation from three-star recruit to NFL prospect - suggests Vanderbilt is getting better at maximizing talent. That developmental prowess becomes crucial in close games where execution matters more than raw athleticism.
As someone who's followed Vanderbilt football through lean years and occasional breakthroughs, what excites me most about the 2024 season isn't necessarily the win-loss record but the foundation being built. The program feels like it's developing an identity - something that's been missing during many of the past seasons. If key players like Swann and Sheppard can stay healthy while the defense makes incremental improvements, we could be looking at a team that exceeds external expectations. The SEC East remains challenging, but there's a path to 6-6 or even 7-5 if everything breaks right. That might not sound spectacular to casual observers, but for Vanderbilt football, it would represent meaningful progress toward sustainable competitiveness.
