The Vanderbilt football schedule for 2025 is turning heads as the Vanderbilt Commodores surge toward a historic season under head coach Clark Lea. With a current record of 6-1 and a major game coming up this weekend, Vanderbilt is making major strides.
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Season Snapshot & Highlights
Vanderbilt’s football schedule shows an impressive early run:
- The Commodores opened their season with wins over Charleston Southern Buccaneers (45-3) and at Virginia Tech Hokies (44-20).
- They followed with a dominant win at South Carolina Gamecocks (31-7), marking their first victory over South Carolina since 2008.
- A 70-21 home blowout of Georgia State Panthers and a 55-35 win over Utah State Aggies further cemented their early momentum.
- Their only loss came at Alabama Crimson Tide (14-30).
- Most recently, Vanderbilt defeated LSU Tigers 31-24 at home.
Ranked No. 10 in the AP Poll after the LSU win, this is Vanderbilt’s first top-10 appearance since 1947.
Key Upcoming Games on the Vanderbilt Football Schedule
Here’s a look ahead at the major games remaining for Vanderbilt:
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat Oct 25 | vs. Missouri Tigers (#15) | Nashville (FirstBank Stadium) | 2:30 p.m. CT – ESPN national broadcast |
| Sat Nov 1 | @ Texas Longhorns (#22) | Austin | 12:00 p.m. kickoff |
| Sat Nov 8 | vs. Auburn Tigers | Nashville | Time TBD |
| Sat Nov 22 | vs. Kentucky Wildcats | Nashville | Time TBD |
| Sat Nov 29 | @ Tennessee Volunteers (#17) | Knoxville | Time TBD |
Given the priority matchup with Missouri and the national broadcast, the Vanderbilt football schedule is giving the Commodores high-visibility opportunities.
What the Schedule Means for Vanderbilt
Momentum and national stage
The demanding slate on the Vanderbilt football schedule puts the Commodores in the spotlight. The Missouri game, part of the national “Sunday Showcase,” and the Texas road trip give Vanderbilt major platforms. According to reports, College GameDay will be on site for the Vanderbilt-Missouri game, underscoring how significant this schedule has become.
Conference implications
In a stacked Southeastern Conference field, the Vanderbilt football schedule features several power opponents. Wins against ranked teams will boost their bowl eligibility and national rankings, especially with the LSU and Missouri games.
Challenges ahead
While the early part of the schedule offered some favourable match-ups, the remaining games are tougher: playing at Texas and ending at Tennessee represent big hurdles. Vanderbilt will need consistency, given the strength of schedule.
Highlights to Bookmark in the Schedule
- Home advantage: Vanderbilt will host Missouri, Auburn and Kentucky in Nashville. That gives the Commodores key opportunities in front of a home crowd.
- Television exposure: The biggest games in the Vanderbilt football schedule will be nationally televised—especially the Missouri and Texas contests.
- Potential season-defining moments: The late-November road game at Tennessee can define the Commodores’ season, both for rivalry and post-season positioning.
What Fans Should Watch For
- Kickoff times & TV listings: For instance, the Oct. 25 Missouri game is listed at 3:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. CT and carried on ESPN.
- Ticket and tailgating logistics: At Vanderbilt’s home games, fans are advised to arrive early for tailgating and to secure good seats given the high demand for key matchups.
- Roster and injuries: With such a strong run so far, keeping key players healthy will be vital to fulfilling the promise of the Vanderbilt football schedule.
- Rankings and outlook: With the team recently entering the AP Top 10, each remaining game takes on added significance if Vanderbilt hopes to continue climbing.
Bottom Line
The Vanderbilt football schedule for the remainder of 2025 offers both tremendous opportunity and serious challenge. With marquee games at home and on the road, national television exposure, and the chance to build something historic, Vanderbilt is in the national conversation. The Commodores’ 6-1 start shows momentum, and the schedule now tests how far this team can go in a competitive SEC and college football landscape.
If you’re a Vanderbilt fan, bookmark the schedule, plan your game day, and stay tuned—it’s a season worth following.
And if you’ve followed the Commodores this season, feel free to drop a comment below on which game you’re most excited about and why.