Vanderbilt football gains momentum with improved team culture under Clark Lea
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 6, 2026, 5:19 PM
Last updated Aug 6, 2026
Vanderbilt football players attribute recent success to an enhanced team culture under coach Clark Lea. Linebacker Bryan Longwell noted a growing love for the game among players, which has contributed to improvements from previous seasons of 2-10 and 7-6 to a 10-3 record. The shift has also seen practices become more competitive, with players motivated to secure their spots on the team. The linebacker core, featuring veterans like Longwell, Nick Rinaldi, and Bryce Cowan, has become a significant strength, with Rinaldi stating he has developed a deeper connection to the game. As players continue to embrace this new culture, thoughts of coaching careers are emerging for some, including Rinaldi, who is also pursuing a master's degree in finance.
- •Vanderbilt improved from 2-10 to 7-6 to 10-3 in recent seasons.
- •Players express a newfound love for football under Clark Lea.
- •Linebackers Rinaldi and Cowan serve as leaders on the team.
- •Rinaldi considers coaching as a future career option.
- •Team culture emphasizes competition and player development.
- 5:19 PMYahoo Sports — This overlooked quality could be a key to Vanderbilt football's success
"A change in one aspect of team culture has helped Vanderbilt football to improve under Clark Lea, players say.
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