Texas Longhorns vs. Vanderbilt Preview: Score Predictions

The Texas Longhorns On SI staff predicts the outcome of the ranked matchup in Nashville

Vanderbilt running back Sedrick Alexander (28) and quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrate a touchdown against Alabama in Nashville on Oct. 5, 2024. / Denny Simmons/The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Oct. 26 Vanderbilt game looked like one of the “easiest” conference games in Texas’ 2024 road, but in football, anything can happen. That includes an unranked Commodore team defeating top-ranked Alabama.

The Commodores failed to win a single SEC game last year, but with a renewed staff and a new dynamic quarterback, Clark Lea’s team will do everything in its power to write a better story, and so far, Vanderbilt's been the surprise of the season.

Will these changes be enough? Is Texas just too strong? Here is what our staff thinks might happen in Nashville as both teams look to go 3-1 in conference play.

Matt Galatzan, Publisher

The Longhorns were hoping to have a reprieve after a tough matchup with Georgia, but this is not the same Vanderbilt we are used to seeing. The Commodores are ranked No. 25 and have a win over No. 1 ranked Alabama. That said, Texas is eager to prove itself to the rest of the country, and I think they take care of business.

Texas 30
Vanderbilt 17

Isa Almeida, Staff Writer

Though I think the work Clark Lea has done in the offseason will show in his team’s performance, Steve Sarkisian’s work at Texas will show even more. Texas was already a strong team at the end of 2023, but the new additions to the team should show a great importance on the field. It won't be an easy game, like I initially thought it would be, but Texas should still come out with a win as long as it makes every play count.

Texas: 37
Vanderbilt: 21

Emma Hutchinson, Staff Writer

Vanderbilt has looked like a solid team in its last three contests, and its win over Alabama is not something to overlook. Texas will be looking to make a grand re-entrance after its first loss of the season and in the SEC, and the Commodores won't be prepared for what the Longhorns have in store.

Texas: 35
Vanderbilt: 17

Jon Alfano, Staff Writer

It will be interesting to see how Texas responds after a loss. After losing the Red River Rivalry last season, the Longhorns didn’t play up to their ability against a mediocre at best Houston team, escaping with just a seven-point win on the road.

Vanderbilt is probably the second-best team Texas has played (imagine saying that at the start of the season) and should not be taken lightly. The Longhorns should prevail, but it won’t be a walk in the park.

Texas: 31
Vanderbilt: 24