NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Vanderbilt's own Tyler Tanner is making waves in college basketball. The sophomore guard has been named to the prestigious 2026 Naismith Men’s College Defensive Player of the Year Late-Season Team, as announced by the Atlanta Tipoff Club.
Tanner is one of 15 standout players in the running for this coveted award as the season nears its end. Hailing from Brentwood, Tanner has been a defensive powerhouse, leading all high-major players with an impressive 67 steals this year. This achievement ties him for sixth in Vanderbilt's history, just 10 steals shy of breaking the school record set by James Strong back in the 1998-99 season.
But Tanner isn't just about defense. He's the only high-major player this season averaging over 18 points, five assists, and two steals per game. With just four more assists, he'll join an elite group as only the ninth player in SEC history to notch 150 assists and 60 steals in a single season since 1996-97.
Among the 15 players on the list, Tanner is one of three representing the SEC and one of five guards. The Commodores are set to face off against Kentucky this Saturday, with a 1 p.m.
CT tipoff. Keep an eye on Tanner as he continues to make his mark on the court.