A New Era of Leadership
Vanderbilt University revealed its slate of captains for the upcoming 2026 football campaign, tapping four standout student‑athletes to steer the Commodores.
The quartet — Issa Ouattara, Nick Rinaldi, Cole Spence and Mahkilyn Young — join an 11‑member leadership council that will oversee the program’s direction throughout the season.
Ouattara, a second‑year player who missed the 2025 schedule due to injury, returns with a solid track record, having logged 48 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 13 appearances during 2024.
Rinaldi made history as the first Commodore to earn SEC Scholar‑Athlete of the Year in 2025, complementing his on‑field impact with 3.5 sacks and nine quarterback pressures.
Spence, a first‑time captain, distinguished himself with a game‑winning overtime touchdown against Auburn, and he appeared in every contest last year.
Young burst onto the scene in his rookie season, pacing the team with 414 rushing yards and six touchdowns, while also adding 14 receptions for 133 yards.
The Commodores will open the season at home against Austin Peay on September 5 at FirstBank Stadium, before heading into two more home matchups before conference play begins.
The newly formed leadership council, comprising the four captains and seven additional student‑athletes, aims to blend on‑field performance with academic excellence and community engagement.