Vanderbilt Adds Familiar Face After NCAA Tournament Matchup

Commodores football spring game will be first chance to see new player in action.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:07pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Vanderbilt football game, with the players and field broken down into overlapping angular shapes in the team's black and gold colors, conveying the dynamic energy and strategic complexity of the sport.Vanderbilt football's spring game will showcase new talent and position changes as the team looks to build on last season's progress.Today in Nashville

Vanderbilt football's spring game on Saturday will give fans their first look at a new addition to the team, a player who previously faced the Commodores in the NCAA Tournament. The program has also dealt with the potential loss of a key defensive player, though details remain unclear.

Why it matters

Vanderbilt is looking to build on a promising 2022 season and the addition of this new player could provide a boost. However, the potential absence of a defensive standout is a concern as the team prepares for the upcoming year.

The details

Vanderbilt has added a new player to its football roster following a matchup against the Commodores in the NCAA Tournament. The identity of this player and the specifics of how they ended up joining the Vanderbilt program have not been disclosed. Fans will get their first chance to see the new addition in action during the team's spring game on Saturday.

  • Vanderbilt football's spring game is scheduled for Saturday, April 22, 2026.
  • The Commodores faced the unnamed player's former team in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

The players

Jared Curtis

The new player joining the Vanderbilt football team after facing the Commodores in the NCAA Tournament.

Carson Lawrence

A Vanderbilt football player who has been moved to the STAR position, embracing his new responsibilities.

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What they’re saying

“Vanderbilt football tight end Walter Taylor is finding fulfillment while playing tight end for the Commodores. Here's why he chose to move on from playing quarterback and embrace tight end.”

— Walter Taylor, Vanderbilt Football Tight End

What’s next

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The takeaway

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