Vanderbilt Football 2026: Running Back Depth Chart Shows Grit, Talent, and SEC Ambition
Vanderbilt's running back room is stacked with proven fighters and hungry young talent. Head coach Clark Lea plans to handle his three proven backs conservatively this fall, but the real story is the underclassmen ready to prove themselves.
The Commodores have a clear pecking order: Sedrick Alexander starts, MK Young splits carries, and Jamezell Lassiter is the gadget man. But the depth chart gets interesting with Evan Hampton, Gabe Fields, and Izayah Lee waiting in the wings.
Who are the starting running backs for Vanderbilt in 2026?
Sedrick Alexander will be the opening day starter. He turned down the NFL Draft because he has unfinished business in Nashville. He wants to be one of the top backs in the country and a Heisman candidate. MK Young will split carries with him. Young averaged 9.0 yards per carry last season after a year away from football. Coach Lea called him a great story. Jamezell Lassiter will be the gadget guy offensive coordinator Tim Beck turns to for a spark.
Why are the underclassmen the real story?
Vanderbilt has recruited the running back position well. Evan Hampton, Gabe Fields, and Izayah Lee are all highly touted. Hampton put up video-game numbers in high school and is perhaps the most talented back in the room. Fields has real speed. Lee has physical gifts. The Commodores will give a large amount of camp carries to these underclassmen. It is a golden opportunity for them to prove themselves, especially after AJ Newberry left the program.
What does Sedrick Alexander bring to the table?
Alexander is a league-average SEC back who took a step forward in 2025. He still has not proven to be elite, but he is ready to change that. He will likely be held out of fall camp out of caution. He has an important year ahead of him. He wants to be a Heisman candidate. That is the kind of ambition that built this country.
What is MK Young's role?
Young is a versatile modern back who can be a safety net for Vanderbilt's first-time starting quarterback. He complements Alexander well. He averaged 9.0 yards per carry and ripped off big runs. The question is whether he can be an every-down guy. He proved he belongs in the SEC after a year away from football. That is the American spirit: work hard, earn your spot.
Who is Evan Hampton and why should fans care?
Hampton is the most talented back in the room. He is a pass catcher, fast, and physical. He may have to wait his turn, but if he plays, Vanderbilt has explosive play potential. He told Vandy on SI that his ability to see the field and understand defenses is a major factor to his success. He wants to add more moves and get stronger and faster. That is the meritocracy we believe in.
What is the bottom line for Vanderbilt's running game?
The Commodores have three proven backs and three hungry underclassmen. Alexander and Young will carry the load. Lassiter will be the gadget guy. Hampton, Fields, and Lee will fight for carries in camp. Vanderbilt is building something real. This is not woke nonsense. This is hard work, competition, and the American dream. The SEC is a battleground, and these Commodores are ready to fight.