By Mark Pszonak
With action in the transfer portal slowing down, it is time to take a closer look at how each P4 school did during this cycle. Up now are the Vanderbilt Commodores
The skinny: Life in the SEC is hardly ever easy for Vanderbilt, which hasn’t won more than six games in a season since 2013. The Commodores again lost significant talent to the transfer portal during this cycle but added some intriguing players in return. Head coach Clark Lea’s hiring of offensive coordinator Tim Beck from New Mexico State resulted in several Aggies transferring to Vanderbilt, which should bring some needed excitement to the offense.
Total # entries into portal: 28
Total # of scholarship players who entered portal: 26
Number of scholarship players who withdrew: 1
More Sports News
Key losses: WR Jayden McGowan (Boston College), WR London Humphreys (Georgia), DL Nate Clifton (USC), WR Will Sheppard (Colorado), DB Savion Riley (Miami-Florida/Colorado), OL Leyton Nelson (Wisconsin), LB Ethan Barr (Washington/UCF)
Key additions: QB Diego Pavia (New Mexico State), DE Khordae Sydnor (Purdue), WR Loic Fouonji (Texas Tech), OL Steven Losoya (Mississippi State), OL Steven Hubbard (UTEP), OL Chase Mitchell (Liberty), TE Eli Stowers (New Mexico State), DB Marlon Jones (Eastern Washington)
Final thoughts: Diego Pavia was a playmaker and winner at New Mexico State, but will he be able to succeed in the SEC? Everyone will have to wait to find out, but even if he doesn’t reach the levels he did with the Aggies he will bring excitement to the offense. However, it won’t help his transition that the Commodores saw their top three wide receivers enter the portal (Jayden McGowan, London Humphreys, Will Sheppard). The Commodores hope that Loic Fouonji will be able to ease some of those losses, as well as TE Eli Stowers, who should become an integral part of the offense. Also, much of the offensive line was revamped, with Steven Losoya and Steven Hubbard being two top additions. Defensively, the overhaul wasn’t as extreme. Two players to keep an eye on are Khordae Sydnor and Marlon Jones, who will be given every opportunity to be key contributors in 2024. Making a bowl this season would be a huge step in the right direction for the program.
