Vanderbilt's Tyler Tanner Named to Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Late Season Watch List

The sophomore point guard has emerged as one of the top defensive players in college basketball this season.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 6:07pm

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Vanderbilt point guard Tyler Tanner has been named to the late season watch list for the prestigious Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award. Tanner, who averaged just 5.7 points per game as a freshman, has blossomed into one of the most impactful players in the country this season, leading all high-major players in steals with 67. He is on pace to break Vanderbilt's single-season steals record and has been a key catalyst in the Commodores' 22-6 start to the season.

Why it matters

Tanner's defensive prowess has been a major factor in Vanderbilt's success this season, as the Commodores are four wins shy of tying the program record for most wins in a season. His ability to pressure opposing ball handlers and create turnovers has been crucial for a Vanderbilt team that has its sights set on a deep NCAA Tournament run.

The details

Tanner is averaging 2.39 steals per game this season, putting him on pace to break the Vanderbilt single-season steals record of 77 set in the 1998-99 season. His defensive impact has drawn praise from opposing coaches, with Ole Miss head coach Chris Beard calling Tanner "very quick" and possessing "great anticipation" on the defensive end.

  • Tanner was named to the late season watch list for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award on February 27, 2026.
  • Vanderbilt has three regular season games remaining, plus at least one game in the SEC Tournament and one game in the NCAA Tournament, giving Tanner opportunities to break the program's single-season steals record.

The players

Tyler Tanner

A sophomore point guard for the Vanderbilt Commodores who has emerged as one of the top defensive players in college basketball this season, leading all high-major players in steals.

James Strong

The current holder of the Vanderbilt men's basketball record for most steals in a season, with 77 in the 1998-99 season.

Chris Beard

The head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels, who praised Tanner's defensive abilities after a game against Vanderbilt.

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What they’re saying

“I think their point guard is very quick and he's got great anticipation.”

— Chris Beard, Ole Miss Head Coach

What’s next

Tanner and the Vanderbilt Commodores will have three regular season games remaining, plus at least one game in the SEC Tournament and one game in the NCAA Tournament, where Tanner will have opportunities to break the program's single-season steals record.

The takeaway

Tyler Tanner's emergence as a defensive stopper has been a key factor in Vanderbilt's success this season, as the Commodores look to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Tanner's ability to pressure opposing ball handlers and create turnovers has been crucial, and his inclusion on the late season Naismith Defensive Player of the Year watch list is a testament to his defensive impact.