Vanderbilt Athletics Shines in 2026

Football, men's and women's basketball teams all have standout seasons

Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:50pm

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Vanderbilt University is enjoying a remarkable year across its athletics programs. The football team, led by quarterback Diego Pavia, had its best season in decades. The women's basketball team, paced by star guard Mikayla Blakes, earned a 2-seed in the NCAA Tournament. And the men's basketball squad, featuring veteran guard Duke Miles, earned a 5-seed and is poised for a deep March Madness run.

Why it matters

Vanderbilt is not typically known as a powerhouse in major college sports, so this breakout year across multiple programs has generated significant excitement and pride for the university and its fans. The success could also boost recruiting and visibility for Vanderbilt athletics going forward.

The details

On the football field, Diego Pavia had a standout season that has him positioned for a potential NFL Draft selection. His play helped attract the top-ranked quarterback recruit, Jared Curtis, to stay home and play for the Commodores. In women's basketball, Mikayla Blakes is averaging over 27 points per game and leading Vanderbilt to a 2-seed in the NCAA Tournament. The men's team, led by veteran guard Duke Miles, earned a 5-seed and will face 12-seed McNeese State in the opening round, with potential matchups against 4-seed Nebraska and 1-seed Florida looming.

  • Vanderbilt football had its best season in at least 75 years in 2026.
  • The Vanderbilt women's basketball team earned a 2-seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
  • The Vanderbilt men's basketball team earned a 5-seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

The players

Diego Pavia

Vanderbilt's standout quarterback who had a breakout season and is now positioned for a potential NFL Draft selection.

Mikayla Blakes

The star guard for the Vanderbilt women's basketball team, averaging over 27 points per game and leading the Commodores to a 2-seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Duke Miles

The veteran guard for the Vanderbilt men's basketball team, averaging 16.4 points and 4.3 assists per game as the Commodores earned a 5-seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Jared Curtis

The top-ranked quarterback recruit who chose to stay home and play for Vanderbilt after the Commodores' successful football season.

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What’s next

Vanderbilt's football, men's basketball, and women's basketball teams will all look to make deep runs in their respective NCAA Tournaments in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Vanderbilt's breakout athletic success across multiple programs has generated significant excitement and pride for the university, and could boost its recruiting and visibility in the years to come.