Vanderbilt Special Teams Targets 2026 Lift with Taylor's Fundamentals

Vanderbilt is overhauling its special teams for the 2026 season, focusing on kicker Brock Taylor's foundational skills and integrating new snapping and holding personnel to improve consistency and overall unit performance.

Vanderbilt football aims to enhance its special teams unit in 2026, targeting improved consistency and execution. The program's strategy centers on refining established talent and integrating new personnel, particularly in its kicking operation. This approach seeks to maximize scoring opportunities and field position control.

Kicker Brock Taylor set a Vanderbilt school record in 2024 as a redshirt freshman, achieving the most career 50-plus-yard field goals. His performance continued into 2025, converting 13 of 14 field goal attempts and 60 of 61 extra points. While the offense's efficiency led to fewer field goal attempts—14 in 2025 compared to 21 in 2024—Taylor maintained high accuracy rates.

Assistant special teams coordinator Shane Gallant stated the current work with Taylor involves returning to fundamentals. This training prioritizes short-space field goals, specifically targeting kicks from tight angles, such as those from the six-yard line on the left hash. This focus aims to ensure consistency across all distances and situations.

Taylor is also developing synergy with new special teams personnel. Long snapper Kaden Schickel transferred from Michigan State. The expected holder, punter Tyler Ebel, has not yet joined the team from South Dakota, awaiting completion of his classes. Taylor, now fully healthy after managing knee tendinitis in previous offseasons, is prioritizing this new working relationship to ensure uniform ball flight and body mechanics.

Beyond kicking, Vanderbilt's return game also sees changes. Martel Hight, an All-SEC Second Team punt returner in 2024 with 18 returns for 265 yards, recorded 10 returns for 76 yards in 2025. He remains in contention for punt returns. The kick return position faces adjustment after Tre Richardson's transfer. Junior Sherrill, along with Alabama transfer Cole Adams, who returned 19 punts for 156 yards and one kick for 20 yards in 2025, and Tristen Brown, are candidates for the role. The special teams unit is currently focusing on evolving blocking techniques for the punt return game. The integration of new kicking personnel and a renewed focus on fundamental consistency will be key indicators for Vanderbilt’s special teams performance in 2026.