The transfer portal officially opened on Dec. 9, presenting Vanderbilt Football with a key opportunity to elevate to the next level of SEC championship contention.
On National Signing Day, Vanderbilt secured the commitment of 13 athletes, marking the smallest signing class under head coach Clark Lea and the lowest in the SEC. Lea explained in his press conference that he intentionally kept the 2026 class small, with plans to use the transfer portal to fill gaps in the roster.
The success of the season has likely increased the resources available for Anchor Impact, Vanderbilt’s NIL fund, making it possible for the Commodores to be highly active in the portal. Paul Grindstaff, executive director of Anchor Impact, along with Lea and athletic director Candice Storey Lee, will need to allocate funds effectively to bring in talent to West End.
As Lea evaluates the transfer portal, he’ll need to focus on both fit and talent, seeking players who align with his defensive and offensive schemes. The Commodores will likely target a mix of standout players from Group of Five schools and underperforming players from Power Four programs. With available funds and numerous roster spots to fill, Vanderbilt will need both starters and depth.
Here are a few players already in the portal who could fill key positions:
Quarterback: Kaidon Salter (Liberty)
Other Targets: Zach Pyron (Georgia Tech), Matthew Sluka (UNLV), Justin Lamson (Stanford)
With Nate Johnson entering the transfer portal and Diego Pavia’s future uncertain due to a lawsuit against the NCAA, Vanderbilt is in need of a quarterback. The Commodores will likely retain Pavia if he wins his lawsuit, but if not, Liberty’s Kaidon Salter would be a strong option. The 2023 Conference USA MVP, Salter would fit well in offensive coordinator Tim Beck’s system as a dual-threat quarterback. Over the past two seasons, Salter has passed for 4,762 yards, rushed for 1,676 yards, and scored 66 touchdowns. Despite a down year in 2024, Salter has undeniable potential, and a system like Vanderbilt’s could help revitalize his performance. He brings both experience and athleticism to the table.
Other options include Zach Pyron, a former Vanderbilt recruit who comes from a Georgia Tech system similar to Beck’s; Matthew Sluka from UNLV, who redshirted in 2024; and Justin Lamson, who had a quieter year at Stanford but showed promise in the past.
Wide Receiver: CJ Daniels (LSU)
Other Targets: Kevin Concepcion (NC State), Omari Kelly (MTSU), Donaven McCulley (Indiana)
To complement the quarterback position, Vanderbilt should consider adding a wide receiver who can make an immediate impact. CJ Daniels, a former target of Kaidon Salter at Liberty, transferred to LSU but struggled with a reduced role in 2024. With his impressive 2023 numbers (1,067 yards, 10 touchdowns), Daniels could see a revival in his performance by reuniting with Salter. Regardless of Salter’s decision, Daniels’ ability to make contested catches and contribute on the outside would benefit Vanderbilt’s receiving corps.
Other potential targets include Kevin Concepcion from NC State, who has over 1,300 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns in two seasons; Omari Kelly from MTSU, who transferred from Auburn and could stay close to home; and Donaven McCulley from Indiana, a 6’5 receiver with big-play potential, despite a quieter 2024 season.
Edge Rusher: Tamatoa McDonough (Yale)
Other Targets: Keanu Koht (Alabama), Ronald Triplette (UTSA), Vontroy Malone (Tulsa)
Vanderbilt’s defense struggled with pass rush in 2024, and the team needs both high-level talent and depth at the edge rusher position. Tamatoa McDonough, the Ivy League sack leader, could be a valuable addition. At 6’5 and 255 lbs, McDonough has the size and skills to thrive as an edge rusher in the SEC. His experience as a standing rusher and his ability to create pressure would make him a strong fit for Vanderbilt’s defense.
Keanu Koht from Alabama, although having limited playing time, was a highly sought-after recruit and could bring athleticism to Vanderbilt’s defensive line. Ronald Triplette (4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles) and Vontroy Malone (2 sacks, 1 forced fumble) are also potential targets. Both have the size and potential to succeed at the next level and could be valuable depth pieces for the Commodores.
With many players entering the portal and significant support for Vanderbilt Football, the next few weeks should be exciting. Expect the Commodores to play a major role in the NCAA transfer portal drama this December.
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