Vanderbilt PG Frankie Collins Medically Cleared to Return From Knee Injury

Veteran guard expected to boost Commodores' offense after missing extended time

Feb. 1, 2026 at 12:55pm

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Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington announced that point guard Frankie Collins has been medically cleared to return from a knee injury that has sidelined him since mid-December. Collins, a fifth-year senior, was a key contributor for the Commodores before his injury, averaging 7.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2.4 steals per game. His return comes at a crucial time, as Vanderbilt has also lost another starting guard, Duke Miles, to a knee injury.

Why it matters

Collins' return is a major boost for Vanderbilt, as the Commodores have struggled offensively without their two veteran guards. With Collins and Miles both out, the team has become overly reliant on star player Tyler Tanner, making them more vulnerable. Collins' playmaking and defensive abilities should help balance the offense and take pressure off Tanner.

The details

Byington said he hopes Collins can return by the end of Vanderbilt's "bye week," with the team not playing again until Feb. 7. Collins has been out since Dec. 17, with an initial report of a "minor" injury later revealed to be a torn meniscus, which Byington initially denied before eventually confirming. In Collins' absence, Vanderbilt has gone 3-3, including a three-game winning streak.

  • Collins has been out since Dec. 17, 2025.
  • Vanderbilt is hoping Collins can return by the end of their bye week, with the team not playing again until Feb. 7, 2026.

The players

Frankie Collins

A fifth-year senior point guard for the Vanderbilt Commodores who has been sidelined with a knee injury since mid-December.

Mark Byington

The head coach of the Vanderbilt Commodores men's basketball team.

Tyler Tanner

The star guard for the Vanderbilt Commodores, who has been carrying the team's offense in the absence of Collins and Duke Miles.

Duke Miles

A fifth-year senior guard for the Vanderbilt Commodores who recently underwent knee surgery, further depleting the team's backcourt.

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What they’re saying

“Frankie's medically cleared, so we just got to get him going. Hopefully, this bye week's the one, but he's got to push himself and get ready. We counted on him, we invested in him, and he's a guy who can really help us win, so hopefully, he's got the same motivation to get back.”

— Mark Byington, Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Collins' return is a critical development for Vanderbilt, as the team has struggled to replace his playmaking and defensive contributions. His presence should help take pressure off star guard Tyler Tanner and provide a much-needed boost to the Commodores' offense as they push for a strong finish to the season.