Vanderbilt Football's Spring Game Showcases Potential and Challenges

Lea sees progress but also room for improvement ahead of the new season

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:39pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes in Vanderbilt's navy blue, gold, and white colors, capturing the energy and movement of a football game in an abstract, deconstructed manner.Vanderbilt's spring game showcases the team's potential and areas for improvement as they prepare for the upcoming season.Today in Nashville

Vanderbilt football held its annual spring game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, giving fans a glimpse of the team's progress under head coach Clark Lea. While the performance was uneven at times, with penalties, turnovers, and inconsistent play, Lea saw positive signs, particularly from quarterback Jared Curtis and the offensive line. Several key players were held out due to load management or minor injuries, making it difficult to fully evaluate the team. The spring game highlighted both the potential and the work still needed for Vanderbilt to improve on last season's performance.

Why it matters

Vanderbilt's spring game provides an early look at the team's development and gives coaches a chance to evaluate talent and identify areas that need improvement before the start of the regular season. As Lea works to build the program, strong performances in the spring game can build momentum and confidence heading into the fall.

The details

The spring game was marked by sloppy play, with penalties, turnovers, and inconsistent execution on both sides of the ball. However, Lea saw positive signs, particularly from quarterback Jared Curtis, who made some impressive throws despite also making a few mistakes. The offensive line also appeared to outperform the defensive line, opening up holes for the running game. Wide receivers Kayleb Barnett, Ja'Corey Thomas, and tight end Jayvontay Conner stood out as playmakers. Veteran quarterback Blaze Berlowitz struggled, raising questions about his reliability as a starter. Several key players, including defensive standouts, were held out of the game, making it difficult to fully evaluate the team's progress.

  • Vanderbilt football held its annual spring game on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville.
  • The spring game marks the final practice of the offseason before the team begins preparations for the upcoming 2026 season.

The players

Clark Lea

Vanderbilt's head football coach, who is working to build the program and saw both positives and areas for improvement in the spring game.

Jared Curtis

Vanderbilt's quarterback, who made some impressive throws but also had some inconsistent moments during the spring game.

Blaze Berlowitz

A veteran Vanderbilt quarterback whose struggles in the spring game raised questions about his reliability as a starter.

Kayleb Barnett

A Vanderbilt wide receiver who stood out as a playmaker during the spring game.

Ja'Corey Thomas

A Vanderbilt wide receiver who also emerged as a key offensive threat in the spring game.

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What they’re saying

“I am pleased with the progress we made. That showed up on the field today at times and at times, you know, we struggled. That's what the Spring Games are about. But on the whole, I thought the spirit of the group was good.”

— Clark Lea, Vanderbilt Head Coach

“He believes in himself, he has courage, he has the physical traits to get himself out of trouble. I think from the physical trade standpoint, he's there. From the mental processing standpoint, that's where we got to cover ground, and that's where we focused. And for me, that is both his process, pre snap and post snap, the creative elements will be there, and they'll be dynamic, but, he has to consistently own the operation.”

— Clark Lea, Vanderbilt Head Coach

What’s next

Vanderbilt will now shift its focus to the offseason program and preparations for the 2026 season, looking to build on the progress shown in the spring game.

The takeaway

Vanderbilt's spring game highlighted both the potential of the team, with strong performances from key players like Jared Curtis and the offensive line, as well as the work still needed to improve consistency and execution across the roster. As Lea continues to build the program, the spring game provided valuable insights to guide the team's offseason development.