Vanderbilt football's edge rushers are one of the most experienced position groups on the 2026 roster.
But not all of that experience comes with the Commodores.
Miles Capers is the rare sixth-year who has spent his whole career at Vanderbilt. But after Khordae Sydnor's graduation, the Commodores brought in several transfers to compete for that open spot.
Boston College transfer Edwin Kolenge and Iowa transfer Brian Allen Jr. both have experience at other Power Four schools. There's also Myles Miller, from Northwest Mississippi Community College and returner Mason Carter, a potential breakout candidate. There's also LSU transfer CJ Jackson, though Jackson will miss at least some of the 2026 season due to an injury from the spring.
"The guys that
have been here have really brought (the transfers) along and been open-minded to it," defensive coordinator Steve Gregory said. "Those guys are a really close-knit group."
This edge group will be key for Vanderbilt in improving its defense from a year ago. The Commodores lost their three games in 2026 because the defense wasn't good enough, and while the edges were relatively productive − Vanderbilt was seventh in the SEC in both tackles for loss and sacks per game − there's still another step to take. The added experience from the portal could help with that step.
For Kolenge, who had 31 tackles and a sack at Boston College in 2025, Vanderbilt has provided a higher level of preseason competition.
He was interested in the Commodores because they had a winning team and he wanted to play in the SEC.
"It's been challenging," he said after practice Aug. 9. "Here, the program is more demanding for the players and you've got to be at your best every day. It's been hard, but I'm getting used to it."
Adam Morris, the defensive run game coordinator and defensive ends coach, has described Kolenge as having a high motor and having natural instincts for the position even if his physical tools don't stand out.
Then there's Allen, who at Iowa last year made 16 tackles. Morris said Allen has experienced a jump in his game mentally.
One of the most intriguing breakout candidates is Carter, who appeared in 13 games last season but recorded just three tackles. Carter's physicality has always stood out and he has made plays in practice settings. Though he's behind in experience compared to the transfers, he has the chance to earn a role.
"Mason is just a teach tape guy," Morris said. "Every technique that we teach ... he can do it, be in the right body position. He's just smart, and I think he's a perfect example of when you're smart and confident in the scheme. You see it go over in the speed of play."
Carter and Allen both noted that they've been working on getting off the ball quickly.
"We really emphasize get off and take off," Allen said. "Getting off the ball. And I feel like with that emphasis, that's something that I've intentionally worked on. ... I get off the ball faster, I make stuff happen."
Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at agerson@gannett.com or on X @aria_gerson.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Why Miles Capers, Vanderbilt football's edge rushers key to defense in 2026
