Leadership and Growth
Vanderbilt’s linebacker unit enters the 2026 season with a rare blend of proven production and promising depth. At the heart of the group is Bryan Longwell, whose name already appears among the Commodores’ most prolific tacklers. His 71 stops last year tied him with safety CJ Heard for the team lead, and he started every game, shouldering the responsibility of setting the defensive tempo.
Joining him will be Nick Rinaldi, a walk‑on who did not pick up a football helmet until his senior year of high school but has since carved out a five‑year tenure at Vanderbilt. Rinaldi’s 47 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 13 appearances illustrate a steady upward trajectory, and his experience now makes him a natural starter alongside Longwell.
The third slot in the projected depth chart belongs to Bryce Cowan, whose own 31 tackles and three sacks last season hint at untapped potential. Coaches have praised his film‑study habits and the way he has refined his pass‑rush moves, suggesting that a breakout could see him leapfrog Rinaldi if the momentum continues.
Beyond the headline names, the room boasts contributors such as Langston Patterson, CJ Heard, Nick Lezynski, Jamison Curtis and Austin Howard, each adding versatility that could prove decisive in a conference that increasingly values speed and adaptability.
The Commodores’ defensive staff has emphasized leadership by example, with Longwell often the first to stay after practice to break down film. That culture of meticulous preparation has filtered through the group, fostering an environment where younger players feel encouraged to claim ownership of their development.