Vanderbilt has at least two senior playmakers who could have a decision to make down the road, but neither Sedrick Alexander nor Junior Sherrill is looking that far ahead just yet.
The conversation started with the NCAA’s new “Five-in-Five” eligibility rule, passed in late June, which gives college athletes five years of eligibility in a five-year window that begins after an athlete’s 19th birthday. The change could allow seniors on rosters this season to come back for a fifth and final year next season, a setup that could be especially helpful for programs built around development and experience.
At SEC Football Media Days on Tuesday in Tampa, both Vanderbilt seniors were asked whether they had thought about using that extra year. Both answered in the same basic way: not really.
“Ultimately, I’m not really focusing on that. I’m just focused on this season and I’ll come back to it when it is time,” Sherrill told reporters in Tampa during Vanderbilt’s turn to talk to the media.
Alexander echoed that approach when the topic came up.
“I think it’s going to be a good thing for college athletes. I haven’t really sat there and thought about it. But I definitely think it’s a good thing for college athletes and I think they’re going to take advantage of that,” Alexander said.
That response fits the moment. There’s still a full 2026 season to play, and both players have plenty in front of them right now.
Alexander and Sherrill are expected to be major pieces again for Vanderbilt’s offense, even with a different quarterback in the mix. Alexander already made one major decision this offseason by passing on the NFL Draft and returning for his senior year. When he spoke to Vandy On SI, he said the choice came down to several factors, including finishing his degree and believing there was more work to do in Nashville.
“I think that here at Vandy, I have unfinished business. I think that getting my degree this past spring was a big factor, and just me not wanting to make that step yet, and just wanted to stay with the team,” Alexander told Vandy On SI on what ultimately led him to staying in college.
“I believe in Coach Lea and the things that he's doing. I have one more year of eligibility.
I felt like this gave me a better chance to get drafted, so I decided off of that too. And I just think that this is the year.”
Sherrill has his own goals in place. He wants to help Vanderbilt chase the playoffs this fall, and he also has bigger individual ambitions, including becoming an All-SEC receiver.
“I want to be the most dynamic person with the ball in my hands in the country,” Sherrill told Vandy on SI earlier in the summer. “I feel like I’m gonna be an all-conference player this year.”
If either player does circle back to the new rule later, it would give Vanderbilt’s 2027 offense a notable lift. For now, though, both seniors are keeping the focus on this season and on helping the Commodores build on last year’s 10-3 record.
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