Vanderbilt University revealed on May 27 the kickoff times for the opening three games of the 2026 football season, setting the stage for a highly anticipated start to the Commodores' campaign.
FirstBank Stadium will host the contests against Austin Peay, Delaware and North Carolina State, with each game slated for a different time slot — Austin Peay scheduled as a night game, Delaware as an afternoon matchup and NC State as a day game.
The schedule not only underscores the program’s growing visibility but also reflects a carefully balanced approach to broadcasting and fan engagement.
A Look Back at 2025
The Commodores capped the previous season with a 10‑3 record, marking the first time in school history that Vanderbilt reached double‑digit wins, a milestone that has raised expectations for continued progress.
Meanwhile, the Governors of Austin Peay finished 7‑5 overall and 4‑4 in the FCS United Athletic Conference, while the Blue Hens, in their inaugural FBS season, posted a 7‑6 record and a 4‑4 mark in Conference USA. The Wolfpack of NC State concluded 2025 at 8‑5, including a 4‑4 tally in the ACC.
Roster Shifts and New Beginnings
Diego Pavia, who earned Heisman runner‑up honors in 2025, announced his move to the Baltimore Ravens, prompting Vanderbilt to turn to five‑star freshman Jared Curtis, who flipped his commitment from Georgia to join the Commodores.
Curtis arrives with a reputation as a dual‑threat quarterback, and coaches say his skill set could reshape the offensive scheme as the team seeks to build on last year’s momentum.
The early‑season slate will serve as a proving ground for the new quarterback, offering matchups that range from a night game under the lights in Nashville to a sun‑drenched afternoon contest in Delaware and a traditional day game against the Wolfpack in Raleigh.