Vanderbilt Wins Again Without Top Players

Commodores show depth in victory over Texas A&M

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Vanderbilt basketball picked up another win, this time against Texas A&M, despite missing two of their top players in Duke Miles and Frankie Collins. The Commodores were led by strong performances from Tyler Nickel, AK Okereke, and Devin McGlockton, showcasing the team's depth and maturity in year two under head coach Mark Byington.

Why it matters

Vanderbilt's ability to win without their top players demonstrates the progress the program has made in Byington's second season. The Commodores are no longer relying solely on their stars, but have developed a more complete roster that can win in different ways. This bodes well for their continued success in the SEC.

The details

Vanderbilt defeated Texas A&M, a first-year program under head coach Bucky McMillan, by a comfortable margin despite star guard Tyler Tanner struggling. The Commodores got big games from Nickel (25 points), Okereke (23 points), and McGlockton (17 points), showing the team's depth and balance. Vanderbilt's improved half-court execution and flexibility in their offensive schemes were also key factors in the win.

  • Vanderbilt is now 4-1 in games without Duke Miles and Frankie Collins this season.

The players

Mark Byington

Vanderbilt's head coach, who is in his second season leading the Commodores program.

Bucky McMillan

First-year head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies basketball team.

Tyler Tanner

Vanderbilt's star guard, who struggled in the game but the team was still able to win.

Tyler Nickel

Vanderbilt forward who scored a team-high 25 points in the win.

AK Okereke

Vanderbilt forward who scored 23 points in the victory.

Devin McGlockton

Vanderbilt forward who continued his strong play with 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It says he doesn't have to go out and get 20 for us to win. Other guys are capable. This team celebrates with each other. No one's happier in that locker room than Tyler Tanner. And that's why I like this group. They care about winning and they care about each other.”

— Mark Byington, Vanderbilt Head Coach (SI.com)

“It just speaks to how deep we are as a team. I've been saying it for a while, but every team has guys with roles that's best for them to win. But we have a lot of talented guys on this team, and every night it could be a different guy stepping up. And tonight is one of those nights.”

— Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt Forward (SI.com)

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

Vanderbilt's ability to win without their top players demonstrates the progress the program has made under Mark Byington. The Commodores have developed a more complete roster that can win in different ways, boding well for their continued success in the SEC.