Five surprises from Vanderbilt football's first depth chart release – The Tennessean

Vanderbilt football released its first depth chart for its game against Austin Peay on Sept. 1.
As expected, the Commodores listed Blaze Berlowitz as their starting quarterback for the season opener, which is 6 p.m. CT Sept. 5 at FirstBank Stadium and will be streamed on SEC Network+.
However, freshman Jared Curtis also is expected to also play in the game.
Beyond quarterbacks, here are our biggest takeaways from the depth chart release:
Wide receiver was one of the most contested battles in the preseason after the losses of Tre Richardson and Richie Hoskins. It was known that Junior Sherrill would be one of the starters; the other two spots went to Brycen Coleman and Tristen Brown. Coleman won the job over Ja’Cory Thomas, who was one of the most frequent targets during the preseason.
Coleman has big size at 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds. He converted from tight end in the offseason.
“We love his size, first of all,” Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea said. “He’s always had sneaky speed. He knows how to get behind the defense and he’s a smart player.”
Cole Adams and Kayleb Barnett were named the other second-string receivers.
Offensive tackle was a three-way battle between Azubuike, Irving and North Dakota State transfer Beau Johnson. Clinton Azubuike and Orion Irving emerged victorious, while Johnson somewhat surprisingly will be a backup after being one of the Commodores’ top transfers this offseason.
Kevo Wesley and Cade McConnell were listed as the starting guards and Lyndon Cooper as the starting center.
“Orion transferred in with a ton of snap experience a year ago,” Lea said. “Served a role, we thought he was ascending last season, and really got opportunities to play for us at the position last year. We thought he played well. He’s had a really good offseason. This may be one of the most improved players in our program, and maybe the strongest performer up front through training camp.”
Four true freshmen cracked the depth chart, which listed two or three players at each position.
Other than Curtis, no true freshmen were on the depth chart on offense, but running back Evan Hampton was listed as one of two options as a second-string kick returner.
On defense, Mason Lewis was listed as one of two options at the hybrid linebacker/safety position, along with sophomore Carson Lawrence. Bishop Starling was listed as the third-string at one of the cornerback positions.
Miles Capers was a sure starter at one pass-rush spot, but it was a competition among several transfers for the second starting edge spot. Brian Allen Jr., who transferred from Iowa, won the job over Edwin Kolenge, a Boston College transfer.
Carson Lawrence, who was a standout in camp, also earned a starting gig, though it was listed as an “or” with Lewis.
Jordan Matthews, who transferred from Tennessee before the 2025 season and was a reserve, won the second starting corner job opposite Martel Hight.
Jaylin Lackey and Cayden Daniels were the second-string corners, while Starling and Jaylin Davies were the third-stringers.
Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at [email protected] or on X @aria_gerson.
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