Vanderbilt’s 2026 running back depth chart is taking shape, featuring a blend of proven veterans and promising underclassmen. Starters Sedrick Alexander and MK Young headline the group, while rotational back Jamezell Lassiter adds a spark‑plug option for the Commodores.
Alexander will take the opening‑day snap and is being positioned as a potential SEC standout, with coaches already labeling him a Heisman candidate if he can sustain his early‑season momentum.
Young’s 2025 campaign saw him average 9.0 yards per carry, a figure that convinced the staff he is a legitimate SEC running back after a year away from the game, and his versatility will allow him to complement Alexander in multiple formations.
Head coach Clark Lea has pledged a conservative rotation throughout fall camp, giving each back ample reps while monitoring wear and tear, a strategy aimed at preserving health for the demanding SEC schedule.
When the Commodores need a quick swing or a change of pace, offensive coordinator Tim Beck will turn to Lassiter, whose agility and elusiveness make him a natural fit for gadget plays that can shift momentum.
Underclassmen Poised for Breakout
The departure of AJ Newberry has cleared additional carries, and the Commodores are counting on Evan Hampton, Gabe Fields and freshman Izayah Lee to seize the opportunity. Hampton, a highly touted recruit, is viewed as the most talented back in the room and a potential explosive playmaker, while Fields brings a track‑star’s speed and Lee arrives with notable physical gifts.
Hampton’s football IQ, highlighted by his ability to see the field and dissect defenses, is expected to accelerate his readiness for game situations, a trait that coaches say could translate into big‑play moments early in the season.
Fields, known for his high‑school production and speed, and Lee, a freshman with a strong physical frame, are also slated to receive significant camp carries as the staff evaluates how their complementary skill sets can diversify the rushing attack.
The overall focus during fall camp will be on developing these underclassmen, ensuring they are prepared to step into larger roles should injuries or performance shifts arise, thereby reinforcing the depth chart’s resilience.