Diego Pavia's lawsuit against the NCAA takes specific issue with the limitations put on former junior college players like him. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) (Michael Chang via Getty Images)
Vanderbilt couldn’t have asked for a much better start to 2025. The Commodores opened the season with a 45-3 rout of Charleston Southern in front of a packed FirstBank Stadium, checking every box you want to see in a season opener. Now the challenge gets much tougher. Game two sends Vandy on the road to Lane Stadium for a Saturday night clash with Virginia Tech. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT on ACC Network.
Carrying momentum forward
The Commodores didn’t waste any time last week, marching down the field for touchdowns on each of their first three drives. Quarterback Diego Pavia was as sharp as advertised, completing 20 of 25 passes for 275 yards and three scores while adding 44 yards on the ground. New faces also made their presence felt. Freshman Kayleb Barnett opened the scoring with his first collegiate touchdown, transfer back Makhilyn Young powered in from four yards out, and sophomore Jamezell Lassiter capped the night with a 35-yard burst to the end zone.
On defense, Vanderbilt flat-out suffocated Charleston Southern. The Commodores gave up only 135 total yards—the eighth-lowest mark in the last three decades for this program—and registered seven tackles for loss and three sacks. Miles Capers set the tone up front with a career-high 2.5 TFLs, including a strip sack.
A familiar opponent
Vandy fans don’t need to look far back to remember the last time these two squared off. In last year’s season opener, the Commodores knocked off the Hokies in a 34-27 overtime thriller in Nashville. That game served as Pavia’s introduction to the black and gold faithful, as he combined for nearly 300 total yards and three touchdowns. He also led the game-tying drive in the final minutes of regulation before sealing the win with a 4-yard TD run in overtime.
Virginia Tech will have revenge on its mind after dropping that one, and Lane Stadium is never an easy place to win, especially in a night game.
New wrinkles to watch
One of the more intriguing storylines is junior Martel Hight lining up on both sides of the ball. A veteran corner who tied for the team lead in interceptions last year, Hight is now splitting time at wide receiver as well. He caught two passes for 17 yards in the opener while still contributing four tackles on defense. His playmaking ability on special teams already makes him one of the more versatile players in the SEC, and this new role could open up more ways to get him the football.
Another new name to watch is Tre Richardson. The Washburn transfer led the team with five catches for 74 yards against Charleston Southern and looks like a reliable target for Pavia moving forward.
Setting the stage
Virginia Tech comes into this one at 0-1, while Vanderbilt has momentum and confidence after flexing its depth in Week 1. If the Commodores can protect Pavia and continue to get contributions from their newcomers, they’ll have a real shot at leaving Blacksburg with another statement win.
About the Author
Dalton Tinklenberg is the Founder and Media Director of The Scouting Depot, where he leads comprehensive coverage of college and professional football. He is an active member of some of the most respected organizations in sports journalism, including the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA), Maxwell Football Club, Online News Association (ONA), National Football Foundation (NFF), and the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE).
Before launching The Scouting Depot, Dalton worked with Blue HQ Media, where he covered major sporting events such as the Indianapolis 500, the College Football Playoff, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Through his professional affiliations and on-the-ground experience, Dalton combines deep knowledge of the game with recognized standards of storytelling, editorial excellence, and authenticity in sports coverage.
