> LB Langston Patterson: After leading the team in tackles while not starting in 2023, Patterson was a Vanderbilt team captain as a junior last season and had 78 tackles, five tackles for loss and two pass breakups as a first-year starter.
> LB Bryan Longwell: The Nashville Lipscomb Academy product led the Commodores in tackles (89) as a sophomore starter in 2024, adding 7.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, four pass breakups and one interception during a breakout season.
> CB Martel Hight: His freshman season saw him rack up 38 tackles and return an interception for a touchdown against UNLV in 2023, his sophomore season saw him start all 13 games on defense (33 tackles, two TFLs, two interceptions, four pass breakups) and earn All-SEC honors as a return specialist (18 punt returns for 265 yards, a 14.7-yard average, and a touchdown) and his junior season could see him involved on offense as a part-time wide receiver.
> S/OLB Randon Fontenette: The TCU transfer was third on the team in tackles (73) and had eight tackles for loss, eight pass breakups and one interception (the pick-six against Alabama) in a playmaking role in 2024.
> DL Mason Nelson: Tennessee also targeted the veteran Western Michigan transfer in the spring portal, but after racking up 62 tackles, 12.5 TFLs and five sacks over the past two seasons, he’ll suit up for the Commodores, who also added Vols transfer cornerback Jordan Matthews this offseason.