Vanderbilt hosts Austin Peay in 2026 football season opener

Vanderbilt opens its 2026 season against Austin Peay at 6 p.m. Saturday at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville. Head coach Clark Lea has named veteran Blaze Berlowitz as the starting quarterback for the matchup. Despite the designated starter, the team plans to utilize Jared Curtis throughout the game. The Commodores are coming off a 10-3 campaign in 2025 and meet the Governors for the first time since 2015. While Vanderbilt enters the contest as a heavy favorite against the FCS opponent, the coaching staff remains focused on evaluating the quarterback rotation during the non-conference opening. Players competing for depth chart positions, including running backs Jamezell Lassiter and Evan Hampton, are expected to see significant action as the team works to solidify its roster.

• 3:49 AMYahoo Sports — Saturday Predictions: Austin Peay