Camp Closes with a Decision Ahead
Vanderbilt closed fall camp with its second scrimmage at FirstBank Stadium on Saturday night, a session that coach Clark Lea called the closest thing to a full football game the Commodores have played so far. Lea let his team play for the most part and was happy with the day. The staff will take Sunday off before returning Monday to solidify the depth chart.
At the center of that work is the quarterback competition between five-star freshman Jared Curtis and senior Blaze Berlowitz. Lea said Saturday night that he expects to leave the office Monday having a clear sense of the depth chart, and plans to communicate roles to players on Tuesday. A decision on the starting quarterback could come within the next 72 to 96 hours, as reported by Sports Illustrated.
Quarterback Competition Remains Tight
Through 15 days of fall camp, neither Curtis nor Berlowitz has separated in the competition. Lea managed an open race since Curtis signed in December, and Saturday's scrimmage did little to settle it definitively.
Berlowitz had one of his better days of camp, moving the ball consistently but failing to score, and also made the worst throws of the day. Curtis took a step back from the first scrimmage, showing freshman moments such as throwing off platform and not stepping up in the pocket. Yet Curtis's operation was relatively smooth, his offense moved, and he showed flashes of excellence while probably being more accurate than Berlowitz.
Lea's assessment was that Curtis was at his best for the longest of any Vanderbilt quarterback on Saturday, while noting that Berlowitz has had a good camp. Curtis, the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2026 class according to 247Sports, is expected to see the field in the opener even if he does not start.
The decision, Lea said, will hinge on ball security, strength of operation, and playmaking ability, with an eye toward what best positions Vanderbilt to win on September 5 against Austin Peay. He said at SEC Media Days that he is open to playing both quarterbacks but prefers one dependable starter.
CBS Sports reported, per ESPN, that Berlowitz will start the opener against Austin Peay, with Curtis expected to play. Curtis flips from Georgia to Vanderbilt shortly before the signing period added to the anticipation. A source told CBS Sports during the summer that Curtis is "as good as we hoped he'd be."
Defense Shows Progress in Several Areas
On the defensive side, the line had mixed results in run defense, according to Sports Illustrated's position-by-position analysis. There were stops at or behind the line of scrimmage, but also plays where the defensive line was overpowered. Defensive lineman Aaron Bryant split between offensive linemen to get into the backfield, and Jaylon Stone pushed against the offensive line. The run defense allowed fewer splash plays to the perimeter than a week ago, following Lea's comments about discipline in preventing outside runs.
In pass defense, the defensive line brought pressure from both inside and outside, though quarterbacks sometimes had time to throw. Linebacker Jamison Curtis got downhill in pass defense, and Josiah Broxton broke through the middle. The main core of Bryan Longwell, Nick Rinaldi, and Bryce Cowan got early reps, but depth players saw most of the live action.
In the secondary, safeties Dontae Carter and Davin Chandler made the majority of plays, with Ricardo Jones and freshman Mason Lewis contributing. Cornerback Bishop Starling, a freshman from Ensworth High School, was a standout in coverage. Oklahoma State transfer Jaylin Davies got opportunities but did not make a big play. Martel Hight, Jordan Matthews, and Cayden Daniels received limited reps, with Matthews improving and Daniels described as a revelation in camp.
Offensive Takeaways: Running Backs and Receivers Shine
On offense, running back Evan Hampton had the biggest play on the ground and was called the MVP of fall camp, likely fourth in the usage rotation. Izayah Lee made chunk plays and was physical, potentially carving out a short-yardage role. The freshman running back class was praised as the best since Sedrick Alexander's group in 2023. Alexander and MK Young did not get significant reps, having nothing to prove.
The likely top three receivers—Sherrill, Thomas, and Adams—did not play in the scrimmage. Brycen Coleman stood out over the last few days, and Kayleb Barnett made the best play of the day. Owen Cabell, flipped from Alabama, had an impactful day. Tight end Cole Spence did not rep much, while Jayvontay Conner had a solid day and Walt Taylor ended camp poorly.
Quarterback Whit Muschamp was absent due to a funeral, moving Elliott to third team; Elliott made the biggest chunk play of the day. Utah transfer Drew Cowart received his first look but did not make a strong positive impression.
Offensive Line and Looking Ahead
The offensive line was more sound than a week ago, giving quarterbacks more time, though run blocking was spotty but opened big holes.
With the opener against Austin Peay on the horizon, Vanderbilt faces a three-game home stand against Austin Peay, Delaware, and NC State before beginning SEC play at Auburn on September 26. The schedule later includes a trip to No. 3 Georgia and a home game against No. 9 Ole Miss.
CBS Sports suggested the Week 7 home game against Arkansas on October 17 as a natural point for Curtis to take over the starting job, though there is little reason to rush him given the challenging early conference slate. Lea said Curtis does not need to be Diego Pavia, who led Vanderbilt to a 10-win season in 2025 with 3,539 passing yards and 29 touchdowns plus 1,663 rushing yards, finishing as Heisman runner-up.
For now, the decision rests with Lea and his staff as they review Saturday's tape and prepare to name a starter before the team returns to the field Wednesday.