Football Names 2026 Captains
- 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.
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Answering key questions about Austin Peay
- Vanderbilt's defense will face Austin Peay quarterback Chris Parson after he completed 14 of 21 passes for more than 300 yards and added both passing and rushing touchdowns in the Governors' opener.
- Austin Peay complements its vertical passing attack with a deep backfield that produced four players with at least 30 rushing yards and four team rushing touchdowns in Week 0.
- Austin Peay replaced seven defensive starters and allowed about 27 points per game in 2025, giving Vanderbilt's offense a favorable matchup despite the Governors improving after halftime in their opener.
- Austin Peay intends to involve returning leading receiver Jaden Robinson after he went without a catch in the opener, while Denver Harper emerged with 108 yards and a touchdown on three receptions.
- Linebacker Jake Stonebraker is expected back from a lower-body injury against Vanderbilt, while disruptive Charleston Southern transfer David Portu remains conditional after missing the second half of Austin Peay's opener.
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