Vanderbilt’s 2027 women’s basketball slate in the SEC will feature a single matchup against its longtime in‑state rival, the Lady Vols, a rarity that underscores the shifting dynamics of the conference schedule.
A rare in‑state showdown
The Commodores will open the season at home against Tennessee, marking the only meeting between the two schools in the upcoming campaign, while also hosting Arkansas, Georgia and Texas A&M at Memorial Gymnasium.
Road trips will take Vanderbilt to Alabama, Auburn and Florida, completing a single‑round‑robin format that pairs each team with a rotating home‑and‑home series.
History rewrites itself
Historically, the Commodores hold a 12‑80 record against the Lady Vols, yet they have turned the tide recently, having won three straight encounters, the most recent a 87‑77 victory at Thompson‑Boling Arena in Knoxville last season.
Coach Shea Ralph was recognized as the national coach of the year, a testament to the program’s rapid ascent, while star guard Mikayla Blakes continues to anchor the offense with her dynamic play.
The broader SEC format
The SEC’s scheduling model, which emphasizes a single round‑robin with one rotating home‑and‑home series, places Missouri as Vanderbilt’s rotating opponent for the second time in four seasons, adding another layer of intrigue to the Commodores’ itinerary.
Fans can expect a competitive clash when the Commodores and Lady Vols meet, a game that could further cement Vanderbilt’s rise under Ralph and give Blakes another platform to shine.