Commodores Face Wildcats With Limited Roster
Vanderbilt football is traveling to Lexington, Kentucky, to face the No. 12 Kentucky Wildcats in its fifth SEC game this season. The Commodores are currently on a four-game losing streak and stand as the only team in the conference without an SEC win.
Before the matchup, head coach Clark Lea is expected to provide further updates on Thursday regarding player availability for the contest that kicks off at 6:30 p.m. CT on SEC Network.
Season-Ending and Out Players
The SEC released its initial player availability reports on Wednesday night, outlining significant absences for Vanderbilt. The Commodores will miss backup quarterback Blaze Berlowitz, who is dealing with a collarbone injury.
Defensive lineman Aaron Bryant and offensive lineman Gunner Givens are both listed as out due to season-ending injuries. Additional players unavailable for the trip include cornerback Jaylin Lackey, linebacker Jamison Curtis, wide receiver Kahden Smith, and defensive lineman Nikhil Jefferson.
Edge rusher Brian Allen Jr. is also listed as out due to an ankle injury. Allen did not practice on Tuesday.
Questionable and Probable Statuses
Beyond the confirmed absences, Vanderbilt faces uncertainty with several other key contributors. Safety Dontae Carter is listed as questionable after practicing in a no-contact jersey on Tuesday. His availability remains uncertain as the team prepares for the high-stakes environment of playing a ranked opponent.
Linebacker Josiah Broxton has been designated as doubtful, while safety Davin Chandler is also listed as questionable. These designations highlight the depth challenges Vanderbilt faces as it attempts to halt its slide in conference play.
Offensive Line Hope and Final Updates
On the offensive side, there is some positive news regarding the line's health. Offensive lineman Mitchell Smith is listed as probable; head coach Clark Lea expressed hope for his availability after missing the last two games. Smith's potential return could provide a crucial boost to an offense that has struggled to find consistent rhythm.
Defensive back Cayden Daniels and defensive lineman Hayden Bray are both listed as probable, offering some stability to the secondary and front seven. Graham Baakko, a writer for Vanderbilt Commodores On SI, reported these injury details via Twitter/X on October 22, 2026, providing fans with the latest information ahead of Saturday's critical matchup.