Prepare, Commodore followers! The extremely anticipated 2025 Vanderbilt soccer schedule is lastly right here. With an exhilarating mixture of dwelling video games and highway challenges, this season guarantees to ship an unforgettable expertise for gamers and followers alike. Mark your calendars and put together for an thrilling trip as Vanderbilt takes on among the hardest competitors in faculty soccer. From the electrical environment of Vanderbilt Stadium to the long-lasting stadiums of their opponents, the Commodores are able to showcase their dedication and fervour on the gridiron.
The 2025 schedule contains a compelling mix of acquainted foes and new challenges. Vanderbilt will kick off the season with a house opener in opposition to the Mississippi Faculty Choctaws, a Division II powerhouse. This recreation will function a vital take a look at for the Commodores as they give the impression of being to set the tone for the season. The next week, Vanderbilt will embark on a highway journey to face the Georgia Bulldogs in Athens. This SEC East conflict guarantees to be a frightening job, however the Commodores shall be wanting to show themselves in opposition to one of many nation’s high packages. Transitioning easily to the subsequent paragraph, we’ll discover the guts of the Vanderbilt soccer schedule.
Transferring ahead within the schedule, Vanderbilt will face a gauntlet of SEC opponents, together with the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Florida Gators, and the Tennessee Volunteers. These video games will present a real take a look at of the Commodores’ mettle and can showcase their means to compete in opposition to the elite groups within the convention. Moreover, Vanderbilt can have the chance to make a press release in opposition to among the high non-conference groups within the nation, together with the Notre Dame Combating Irish and the BYU Cougars. The Commodores might want to convey their A-game each week as they navigate this difficult schedule.
Season Outlook
The 2025 season holds immense promise for the Vanderbilt Commodores soccer staff. With a gifted roster returning and an skilled teaching workers on the helm, the Commodores are poised to make a major leap of their aggressive trajectory. Head coach Clark Lea has instilled a tradition of self-discipline, accountability, and laborious work inside the program, laying the muse for sustained success.
The Commodores’ offense is anticipated to be a drive to be reckoned with. Quarterback AJ Swann, a rising star with distinctive arm expertise and athleticism, will lead an explosive aerial assault. Working again Ray Davis, a bruising ball service with a knack for locating the top zone, will spearhead the bottom recreation. Large receiver Jayden McGowan, a speedy and dependable goal, is poised for a breakout season.
On the defensive aspect of the ball, Vanderbilt will depend on a stout defensive position anchored by senior deal with Daevion Davis. Linebacker Ethan Barr and security Jaylen Mahoney will present management and expertise within the secondary. The Commodores’ protection will purpose to be opportunistic, forcing turnovers and making use of strain on opposing offenses.
Predictions
| Supply | Predicted Document |
|---|---|
| CBS Sports activities | 6-6 |
| Sports activities Illustrated | 7-5 |
| 247Sports | 8-4 |
The specialists predict a stable season for Vanderbilt, with most projections hovering across the 7-5 or 8-4 vary. The Commodores have a good schedule, avoiding any daunting convention matchups early within the season. If they’ll begin the 12 months with just a few wins, it can present a much-needed increase to their confidence and momentum.
Dwelling Video games and Matchups
Dwelling Video games
The Commodores will play six dwelling video games in 2025, together with contests in opposition to 4 Energy 5 opponents. Vanderbilt will open the season at dwelling in opposition to UT Martin on August thirtieth. The Commodores can even host SEC East rivals Florida and Tennessee, in addition to Missouri and Ole Miss from the SEC West.
Vanderbilt’s dwelling schedule is as follows:
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| August thirtieth | UT Martin |
| September sixth | Florida |
| September twentieth | Missouri |
| October 4th | Ole Miss |
| October 18th | Tennessee |
| November fifteenth | Georgia |
Matchups
The Commodores will face a difficult schedule in 2025, with a number of key matchups in opposition to ranked opponents. Vanderbilt’s dwelling recreation in opposition to Florida shall be a key take a look at for the Commodores, because the Gators are anticipated to be among the many high groups within the SEC East. Vanderbilt can even face a troublesome highway take a look at in opposition to Tennessee, who’s all the time a formidable opponent in Neyland Stadium.
The Commodores can even have an opportunity to make a press release in opposition to SEC West energy Ole Miss. The Rebels have been probably the most constant groups within the SEC lately, and Vanderbilt might want to play its finest to drag off an upset in Oxford.
Street Video games
Vanderbilt will face a difficult slate of highway video games in 2025, together with matchups in opposition to a number of ranked opponents. The Commodores will open their season on the highway in opposition to a formidable Florida State staff in Tallahassee. They can even journey to Gainesville to tackle the Florida Gators in week three and head to Tuscaloosa to face the Alabama Crimson Tide in week seven.
Challenges
Along with their robust highway schedule, Vanderbilt will face a number of different challenges in 2025. The Commodores misplaced a number of key gamers to commencement and the NFL Draft, together with star quarterback AJ Swann and broad receiver Will Sheppard. They can even have a brand new head coach in place, as Clark Lea departed for Mississippi State. The Commodores might want to discover a technique to exchange their departed expertise and modify to a brand new teaching workers so as to achieve success in 2025.
Key Questions for 2025
Vanderbilt might want to reply a number of key questions so as to achieve success in 2025. These questions embody:
- Who would be the beginning quarterback?
- Can the Commodores discover a technique to exchange their departed playmakers?
- How will the staff modify to a brand new head coach?
- Can Vanderbilt discover a manner to enhance its protection, which allowed 35.7 factors per recreation in 2022?
Vanderbilt’s 2025 Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 30 | at Florida State | Tallahassee, FL |
| Sept. 6 | Northern Illinois | Nashville, TN |
| Sept. 13 | at Florida | Gainesville, FL |
| Sept. 20 | Center Tennessee | Nashville, TN |
| Sept. 27 | at Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL |
| Oct. 4 | South Carolina | Nashville, TN |
| Oct. 18 | at Mississippi | Oxford, MS |
| Oct. 25 | Kentucky | Nashville, TN |
| Nov. 1 | at Missouri | Columbia, MO |
| Nov. 8 | Georgia | Nashville, TN |
| Nov. 15 | at Auburn | Auburn, AL |
| Nov. 22 | Tennessee | Nashville, TN |
Key Gamers to Watch
Offense
Vanderbilt soccer’s offense is anticipated to be led by senior quarterback AJ Swann. Swann has been a breakout star for the Commodores, throwing for over 2,500 yards and 20 touchdowns in simply 10 video games final season. Different key offensive gamers to look at embody working again Ray Davis, broad receiver Will Sheppard, and tight finish Ben Bresnahan.
Protection
The Commodores’ protection is anticipated to be anchored by senior linebacker Anfernee Orji and junior defensive finish De’Rickey Wright II. Orji is a tackling machine, main the staff in tackles in every of the final two seasons. Wright is a pass-rushing drive, recording 5.5 sacks final season.
Particular Groups
Vanderbilt’s particular groups unit is anticipated to be led by senior kicker Joseph Bulovas and sophomore punter Evan Hull. Bulovas was a dependable kicker in his sophomore season, making 14 of 19 discipline objectives. Hull averaged 40.3 yards per punt final season, rating among the many high punters within the SEC.
| Participant | Place | Class |
|---|---|---|
| AJ Swann | Quarterback | Senior |
| Ray Davis | Working Again | Junior |
| Will Sheppard | Large Receiver | Junior |
| Ben Bresnahan | Tight Finish | Junior |
| Anfernee Orji | Linebacker | Senior |
| De’Rickey Wright II | Defensive Finish | Junior |
| Joseph Bulovas | Kicker | Senior |
| Evan Hull | Punter | Sophomore |
Offensive and Defensive Methods
The Commodores will make use of a balanced offensive assault in 2025, using each the passing and working video games to maintain defenses guessing. Quarterback Ken Seals would be the catalyst of the offense, along with his arm power and accuracy permitting him to stretch the sector vertically. Working again Ray Davis will present a bodily presence within the backfield, able to each punishing defenses between the tackles and breaking off huge runs exterior. The offensive line, led by tackles Tyler Steen and Logan Stenberg, shall be essential in offering safety for Seals and creating working lanes for Davis.
Defensive Methods
Defensively, Vanderbilt will make use of a 3-4 scheme underneath new coordinator Ted Roof. The protection shall be led by linebacker Anfernee Orji, who was named to the All-SEC Second Staff in 2022. Orji’s velocity and athleticism make him a dynamic presence in the midst of the sector. Cornerbacks Jayden McGowan and De’Rickey Wright shall be key in offering protection on the skin, whereas safeties Theo Jackson and Dane Key shall be accountable for patrolling the deep center of the sector.
Linebacker Depth
The Commodores have recruited two highly-touted linebackers within the 2022 class, Jaheim Oatis and Desmond Umeozulu. Each gamers have large dimension and athleticism, and they’re anticipated to make a direct impression for Vanderbilt in 2025. Oatis, particularly, has the potential to develop right into a star on the faculty degree. With Orji, Oatis, and Umeozulu all projected to be starters in 2025, Vanderbilt’s linebacker corps must be top-of-the-line within the SEC.
| Participant | Place | Top | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anfernee Orji | inside linebacker | 6’3″ | 235 lbs |
| Jaheim Oatis | exterior linebacker | 6’5″ | 240 lbs |
| Desmond Umeozulu | inside linebacker | 6’2″ | 225 lbs |
Affect of New Teaching Workers
The arrival of recent head coach Clark Lea has introduced a shift in Vanderbilt’s soccer program. Together with Lea, a extremely revered defensive coordinator, the workers consists of a number of skilled and gifted assistants. These coaches have carried out a brand new offensive and defensive system, bringing a recent perspective and strategic method to the staff. The teaching workers is keen to instill a profitable mindset and develop gamers each on and off the sector.
Recruiting and Participant Improvement
The brand new workers has prioritized recruiting gifted gamers to bolster the roster. They’ve centered on attracting high-potential athletes who match their system and share their values. The workers can be dedicated to creating the present gamers, offering them with the required assets and steerage to succeed in their full potential.
Scheme and Technique
Lea, a defensive-minded coach, has launched a 3-3-5 defensive scheme that emphasizes velocity, aggression, and strain. The offense, led by coordinator Joey Lynch, contains a unfold assault that makes use of tempo, play-action, and a balanced run-pass ratio. These schemes would require gamers to adapt shortly and execute with precision.
Tradition and Management
The teaching workers has emphasised the significance of constructing a robust staff tradition and creating leaders inside the program. They’ve set excessive requirements of conduct, each on and off the sector. The workers believes {that a} optimistic and supportive atmosphere will foster participant improvement and staff success.
Adapting to the SEC
The SEC is without doubt one of the hardest conferences in faculty soccer. The brand new teaching workers should shortly adapt to the extent of competitors and the calls for of taking part in on this elite league. They should discover methods to compete in opposition to established packages and develop a recreation plan that provides Vanderbilt an opportunity to win video games.
| Week | Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | August 29 | UNLV | Nashville, TN |
| 2 | September 6 | Hawaii | Nashville, TN |
| 3 | September 13 | @ Stanford | Stanford, CA |
| 4 | September 20 | Alabama | Nashville, TN |
| 5 | September 27 | Mississippi | Nashville, TN |
Prospects for Postseason Success
The Commodores’ possibilities of making a bowl recreation in 2025 will depend upon a lot of components, together with the staff’s total efficiency, the power of the schedule, and the staff’s means to remain wholesome. If the Commodores can keep wholesome and play to their potential, they’ve the expertise to make a bowl recreation.
Non-Convention Schedule
The Commodores’ non-conference schedule in 2025 is comparatively favorable. They may open the season at dwelling in opposition to FCS opponent Austin Peay, earlier than touring to Nevada and UAB. The Commodores will then host Hawaii of their closing non-conference recreation.
Convention Schedule
The Commodores’ convention schedule in 2025 is a little more difficult. They may open SEC play at dwelling in opposition to Alabama, earlier than touring to Kentucky and Ole Miss. The Commodores will then host Missouri, earlier than touring to Georgia and South Carolina. The Commodores will end the common season at dwelling in opposition to Vanderbilt.
Key Video games
The Commodores’ key video games in 2025 shall be their video games in opposition to Alabama, Kentucky, Ole Miss and Georgia. These video games will seemingly decide whether or not or not the Commodores could make a bowl recreation.
Potential Surprises and Underdogs
### New Mexico State
New Mexico State has struggled mightily lately, however they could possibly be a shock staff in 2025. They return numerous expertise on offense, together with quarterback Diego Pavia and working again Juwaun Value. If they’ll enhance their protection, they could possibly be a contender within the Solar Belt Convention.
### San Jose State
San Jose State is one other staff that could possibly be a shock in 2025. They’ve a gifted quarterback in Chevan Cordeiro and a stable protection. If they’ll enhance their working recreation, they could possibly be a contender within the Mountain West Convention.
### Center Tennessee State
Center Tennessee State is a staff that’s usually missed, however they could possibly be a darkish horse in 2025. They’ve a gifted offense led by quarterback Chase Cunningham and working again Frank Peasant. If they’ll enhance their protection, they could possibly be a contender within the Convention USA.
### Hawaii
Hawaii is a staff that’s all the time harmful at dwelling. They’ve a gifted offense led by quarterback Brayden Schager and working again Dedrick Parson. If they’ll enhance their protection, they could possibly be a contender within the Mountain West Convention.
### Outdated Dominion
Outdated Dominion is a staff that’s on the rise. They’ve a gifted quarterback in Hayden Wolff and a stable protection. If they’ll enhance their working recreation, they could possibly be a contender within the Solar Belt Convention.
### UMass
UMass is a staff that has struggled lately, however they could possibly be a shock staff in 2025. They return numerous expertise on protection, together with linebacker Seth Anderson and security Isaiah Rodgers. If they’ll enhance their offense, they could possibly be a contender within the MAC East.
### Liberty
Liberty is a staff that has been on the rise lately. They’ve a gifted quarterback in Malik Willis and a stable protection. If they’ll enhance their working recreation, they could possibly be a contender within the FBS Unbiased.
### North Texas
North Texas is a staff that’s usually missed, however they could possibly be a darkish horse in 2025. They’ve a gifted offense led by quarterback Jace Ruder and working again DeAndre Torrey. If they’ll enhance their protection, they could possibly be a contender within the Convention USA.
| Staff | 2024 Document | 2025 Prediction |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico State | 2-10 | 5-7 |
| San Jose State | 7-5 | 9-3 |
| Center Tennessee State | 6-6 | 8-4 |
| Hawaii | 6-7 | 7-5 |
| Outdated Dominion | 5-7 | 7-5 |
| UMass | 1-11 | 4-8 |
| Liberty | 8-4 | 9-3 |
| North Texas | 4-8 | 6-6 |
Rivalry Video games and Implications
Vanderbilt’s 2025 soccer schedule options a number of rivalry matchups with vital implications. These video games will take a look at the Commodores’ mettle and supply alternatives for redemption.
South Carolina
Vanderbilt and South Carolina have a long-standing rivalry that dates again to 1892. The Gamecocks maintain a 29-15-4 benefit within the sequence, however the Commodores have received the final two conferences. A victory in 2025 would lengthen Vanderbilt’s momentum and show that they’ll compete with their in-state rivals.
Tennessee
The rivalry with Tennessee is Vanderbilt’s most heated. The Vols have dominated the sequence lately, profitable 15 of the final 16 matchups. Nevertheless, a Vanderbilt win in 2025 could be a significant upset and would give the Commodores bragging rights within the state of Tennessee.
Kentucky
Vanderbilt’s rivalry with Kentucky is named the “Battle for the Barrel.” The Wildcats have received the final three conferences, however the Commodores received the earlier 4. A victory in 2025 would give Vanderbilt an opportunity to regain the barrel trophy and preserve it in Nashville.
Georgia
Vanderbilt and Georgia have performed one another yearly since 1994. The Bulldogs maintain a 58-20-5 benefit within the sequence, however Vanderbilt has had some success lately, together with a 17-16 win in 2021. A victory in 2025 could be a significant upset and would give the Commodores a signature win.
Implications of Rivalry Video games
The end result of Vanderbilt’s rivalry video games in 2025 can have a major impression on the staff’s season. A powerful efficiency in opposition to their rivals might increase the Commodores’ confidence and propel them to a bowl recreation. Conversely, a poor exhibiting might harm the staff’s morale and derail their season.
Particular Recreation Implications
Listed below are some particular implications of every rivalry recreation for Vanderbilt:
| Opponent | Implications |
|---|---|
| South Carolina | A win would lengthen Vanderbilt’s profitable streak and preserve the Commodores in competition for a bowl recreation. |
| Tennessee | A win could be a significant upset and would give Vanderbilt bragging rights within the state of Tennessee. |
| Kentucky | A win would give Vanderbilt the Barrel trophy and preserve it in Nashville. |
| Georgia | A win could be a significant upset and would give the Commodores a signature win. |
Schedule Evaluation
The 2025 Vanderbilt soccer schedule is about to characteristic a difficult slate of opponents, together with three Energy 5 convention opponents and two groups from the Group of 5. The Commodores will open the season at dwelling in opposition to FCS opponent Elon earlier than touring to face SEC East rival Kentucky. They may then host Hawaii earlier than going through one other SEC East opponent, South Carolina, on the highway. Vanderbilt will return dwelling to face Missouri in non-conference play earlier than touring to face Ole Miss in SEC play. The Commodores will then host Northern Illinois earlier than going through SEC West opponent LSU on the highway. Vanderbilt will shut out the common season with dwelling video games in opposition to Alabama and Georgia and a highway recreation at Texas A&M.
Forecast
The Commodores are coming off a 5-7 season in 2022, and so they might want to enhance in a number of areas so as to be aggressive in 2025. The offense must be extra environment friendly, and the protection must make extra stops. Vanderbilt additionally wants to enhance its particular groups play. If the Commodores could make these enhancements, they’ve the potential to be a bowl staff in 2025.
10. Texas A&M (Away)
The Commodores will shut out the common season with a highway journey to Texas A&M. The Aggies are a perennial powerhouse, and they are going to be a troublesome take a look at for Vanderbilt. The Commodores might want to play their finest recreation of the season in the event that they wish to have an opportunity at pulling off the upset.
| Vanderbilt Schedule 2025 |
|---|
| Week 1: Elon (Dwelling) |
| Week 2: at Kentucky (Away) |
| Week 3: Hawaii (Dwelling) |
| Week 4: at South Carolina (Away) |
| Week 5: Missouri (Dwelling) |
| Week 6: at Ole Miss (Away) |
| Week 7: Northern Illinois (Dwelling) |
| Week 8: at LSU (Away) |
| Week 9: OFF |
| Week 10: Alabama (Dwelling) |
| Week 11: Georgia (Dwelling) |
| Week 12: at Texas A&M (Away) |
Vandy Soccer Schedule 2025
The Vanderbilt Commodores soccer staff will open the 2025 season at dwelling in opposition to the Elon Phoenix on August thirtieth. The Commodores will then journey to Knoxville to face the Tennessee Volunteers on September sixth. Vanderbilt will return dwelling to face the Colorado Buffaloes on September thirteenth earlier than touring to Oxford to face the Ole Miss Rebels on September twentieth. The Commodores will then have a bye week on September twenty seventh earlier than touring to Starkville to face the Mississippi State Bulldogs on October 4th. Vanderbilt will return dwelling to face the South Carolina Gamecocks on October eleventh earlier than touring to Gainesville to face the Florida Gators on October 18th. The Commodores will then return dwelling to face the Kentucky Wildcats on October twenty fifth earlier than touring to Lexington to face the Missouri Tigers on November 1st. Vanderbilt will shut out the 2025 common season at dwelling in opposition to the Georgia Bulldogs on November eighth.
