NASHVILLE--When Clark Lea takes the podium for his first Tuesday press conference of the 2026 season, a Vanderbilt communications staffer will take a walk around Vanderbilt's team room passing out the golden document--Vanderbilt's 2026 depth chart. Lea has generally avoided declarations with the depth chart by using or to avoid naming starters at a number of positions, but Vandy on SI isn't backing down from naming starters ahead of Lea's Tuesday media availability. We've done our defensive depth chart, and now our offensive one is live. Here's who we're projecting to start, be next up and have a chance to see the field. QuarterbackQuarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) participates in Vanderbilt’s football practice Thursday, August 13, 2026 at McGugin Practice Field. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectStarter: Blaze BerlowitzNext Up: Jared CurtisOthers to Watch: Whit Muschamp, Jack ElliottBerlowitz is Vanderbilt’s starter, but the question is how long he’ll be able to hold on to the job. Five-star freshman is the odds-on favorite to start most of Vanderbilt’s games in 2026 and he is still part of an ongoing quarterback competition on West End. Even though Berlowitz is the starter in name, both quarterbacks will play against Austin Peay and Berlowitz is still fighting to win the job. It’s a harsh reality, but one that’s all but obvious with Curtis in the mix. There’s no private indication within Vanderbilt’s program that it’s given up on Curtis being its quarterback of the future because of it selecting Berlowitz on Tuesday. It doesn’t seem like it’s ruling out the idea that Curtis could be its quarterback of the present in the next few weeks, either. Berlowitz will have to be on his game on Saturday to give himself another week as the starter. It’s also worth noting that Muschamp held off Elliott in fall camp and is Vanderbilt’s third quarterback by a significant amount in each direction. Running BackVanderbilt running back Sedrick Alexander (28) jumps over Tennessee defensive back Edrees Farooq (15) during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectStarter: Sedrick AlexanderNext Up: MK Young, Jamezell Lassiter, Evan HamptonOthers to Watch: Gabe FieldsVanderbilt didn’t need to see much of anything from Alexander and Young in camp because it knows what it has in those two. Lassiter is approaching that territory, as well. The biggest offensive winner of camp was Evan Hampton, though, who made a case every day that he should be in line to receive significant playing time. The path may not be there for him in a room loaded with veterans, but he clearly separated himself from Fields in camp. The case for Hampton to be considered Vanderbilt’s fastest running back could be made and he’s also helped by his pass catching abilities. He appears to be Vanderbilt’s running back of the future, and can be used in an effort to create explosive plays in 2026. Vanderbilt will look to Alexander and Young to be one of the best running back duos in the conference, though. Wide RecieverVanderbilt wide receiver Junior Sherrill (0) goes through drills during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectStarters: Junior Sherrill, Ja’Cory Thomas, Cole AdamsNext Up: Tristen Brown, Kayleb Barnett Others to Watch: Brycen Coleman, Joseph McVay, Kahden SmithThere was less movement here than there otherwise could’ve been because of some chalk patterns throughout fall camp, but Vanderbilt appears to have more of a clear pecking order here. Sherrill is the best receiver by a large amount and may be the best player on the team. Thomas is finally healthy and looks like the No. 2 by a decisive amount. Adams missed the last stretch of camp, but he is experienced and is likely still the third option–although it wouldn’t be stunning if Brown or Barnett started over him, and that’s assuming he’s healthy. Coleman finished camp strong, McVay is playing the best football that he has since arriving at Vanderbilt and Smith was a camp star, but none of them did quite enough to break into the top tier of receivers. The strength of the room will still clearly hinge on what Vanderbilt can get beyond Thomas. Tight EndNov 22, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores tight end Cole Spence (16) runs with the ball after a made catch against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectStarter: Cole SpenceNext Up: Jayvontay Conner, Maurice Veney, Gabe FisherOthers to Watch: Walter TaylorSpence is the No. 1 tight end on the roster. He’s the full package and appears to be in line for a breakout if all goes to plan. He’s where this thing starts. Conner is decidedly the No. 2, but is a talented pass catcher that is capable of a few breakout performances. Veney and Fisher are good enough to get on the field as blockers and can catch passes once and awhile. Taylor is still learning the position and is still a wild card in the room. Offensive LineSep 27, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores offensive lineman Cade McConnell (70) gestures to his coach against the Utah State Aggies during the second half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectStarters: Beau Johnson, Cade McConnell, Lyndon Cooper, Kevo Wesley, Clinton AzubuikeNext Up: Orion Irving, Micah DeBose, Keegan WechslerOthers to Watch: CJ Williams, Mitchell Smith, Gunnar GivensVanderbilt probably hasn’t firmly decided what five will play all season, but it appears as if Johnson, McConnell, Cooper and Azubuike are the four most likely options here. Wesley appears to be healthy, and there’s some real optimism in regard to what he can be as a result. There could be an or at one of the guard spots in Tuesday’s official depth chart.Irving appears to be the next guy up, although it’s hard to know exactly what DeBose is at this stage because of how limited he was in practice. Vanderbilt appears to be high on Smith and Williams, but they may take more time to be go-to guys on the line. Follow us onTwitter/X,Facebook,YouTube,Instagram, Threadsand Blue Skyfor the latest news.Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow