Vanderbilt Bolsters Secondary With Another Transfer Addition

Vanderbilt Football Bolsters Secondary With Another Transfer Addition

Vanderbilt continued strengthening its defense Wednesday morning, securing a commitment from former Oklahoma State cornerback Jaylin Davies, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.

Davies, once a four-star prospect out of Mater Dei High School in California, began his college career at Oregon in 2021. He redshirted as a freshman and saw action in just two games before transferring.

He later moved to UCLA, where he spent three seasons with the Bruins. His first year there marked a breakout campaign, as he recorded three interceptions — including a pick-six — along with 32 total tackles. In 2023, Davies played in all 13 games and started 12, finishing with 43 tackles, one interception, and six pass breakups. The following season, he again appeared in every game, tallying 21 tackles and half a sack.

Davies transferred to Oklahoma State for this past season, but his stint was cut short. After appearing in one game, he suffered a leg injury against Houston in October and was carted off the field, sidelining him for the remainder of the year.

Now joining Vanderbilt for his sixth collegiate season, Davies will look to regain his form and become an impact contributor in Clark Lea’s defensive scheme.

When healthy — particularly during his time at UCLA — Davies proved to be a dependable presence in the secondary, capable of creating turnovers and contributing in run support. His addition also provides valuable depth to Vanderbilt’s defensive backfield.

Davies marks the third secondary transfer addition for the Commodores this offseason. Vanderbilt previously brought in former Clemson safety Ricardo Jones and former Texas A&M cornerback Cobey Sellers through the portal.

Although the Commodores lost a key defensive back in safety Randon Fontenette, who transferred to Colorado, Lea and his staff have worked diligently to replenish the secondary with experienced talent.

Beyond defensive reinforcements, Vanderbilt has also addressed needs along the offensive line and added two wide receivers as part of its roster rebuild in the post-Diego Pavia era.

The Commodores are coming off a historic 10-3 season — the first 10-win campaign in program history — capped by a ReliaQuest Bowl appearance against Iowa.