Vanderbilt Announces Clark Lea News on Wednesday

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Vanderbilt had a dream 2025 regular season under head coach Clark Lea.

The program won 10 games for the first time in program history after dismantling arch-rival Tennessee 45-24 on Nov. 29. The game was tied at 21 at halftime before Vanderbilt blitzed Tennessee in the second half, outscoring its rival 24-3.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia had an outstanding regular season, racking up 3,192 yards through the air, 27 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He also rushed for 826 yards and nine touchdowns.

Pavia is a finalist for the Heisman Trophy alongside Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.

Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea has done a great job developing Pavia and his entire team, earning him the SEC Coach of the Year award.

Lea has been the head coach at Vanderbilt for five seasons, posting a 26-35 record. His first three seasons were tough, winning a combined nine games. After that, he made changes, including getting Pavia to transfer from New Mexico State after the 2023 season.

Everything has clicked over the last two seasons, and Lea wants to carry this momentum into the 2026 season. Vanderbilt also has the No. 30 recruiting class for 2026 after five-star quarterback Jared Curtis committed to the program, per 247Sports.

Before that season starts, Lea will try to lead the Commodores to their 11th win of the 2025 season when they face the Iowa Hawkeyes in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Dec. 31. Kickoff will be at noon ET on ESPN.

Related: Clark Lea Places Blame for Vanderbilt’s College Football Playoff Snub

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 10, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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