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Vanderbilt named defensive linemen Issa Ouattara and Nick Rinaldi, tight end Cole Spence and running back Mahkilyn Young its four captains for the 2026 season.

Ouattara returns as a second-year captain after missing all of 2025 with an injury and brings 34 games of defensive-line experience into the new season.

Rinaldi led Vanderbilt with nine quarterback hits and added seven tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks across 13 games in 2025.

Young averaged 9.0 yards per carry while producing 547 scrimmage yards and six rushing touchdowns in 2025, making him Vanderbilt's most explosive returning backfield captain.