Vanderbilt just added some much-needed muscle to its defensive front, landing a commitment from Boston College transfer Edwin Kolenge. The veteran edge defender brings four years of ACC experience to Nashville and becomes the latest addition to a Commodores transfer class that’s clearly focused on shoring up the trenches.
Kolenge, who started 10 games for the Eagles in 2025, is coming off a season where he totaled 31 tackles, one sack, and one tackle for loss. While those numbers won’t jump off the page, his presence adds depth and versatility to a Vanderbilt defense that’s looking to take a step forward under its current rebuild. At 6-foot-3, 252 pounds, Kolenge fits the mold of a hybrid edge defender-capable of lining up as a traditional defensive end or standing up as an outside linebacker, depending on the scheme.
The Commodores are expected to start redshirt senior Miles Capers and Iowa transfer Brian Allen on the edge, but Kolenge should be firmly in the rotation, if not pushing for a bigger role. His experience alone-443 defensive snaps in 2025-gives him a leg up in terms of readiness, especially for a team that’s trying to build a more consistent pass rush.
One of Kolenge’s most productive outings last season came against SMU. In a game where Boston College was overmatched, Kolenge still managed to register a sack and three pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. That kind of individual performance in a lopsided loss speaks to his motor and ability to win one-on-one matchups-traits that should translate well in the SEC.
Originally from Canada, Kolenge played his high school ball at The Loomis Chaffee School in Connecticut. He was a 3-star recruit in the 2022 class and drew offers from a wide range of Power Five programs, including Nebraska, South Carolina, Maryland, and Virginia Tech, before ultimately landing at Boston College. Though he was recruited as a linebacker, he spent all four years in Chestnut Hill working along the defensive front, developing into a reliable contributor.
With Kolenge now in the fold, Vanderbilt’s transfer class grows to 16 players, including three edge defenders. He joins Allen and former LSU outside linebacker CJ Jackson, both of whom are also rated as 3-star transfers. It’s clear the Commodores are making a concerted effort to build depth and competition on the edge-something that’s been a missing piece in recent seasons.
Kolenge may not be a headline-grabbing addition, but he’s the type of player who can quietly make a difference. He knows how to play within a system, brings a veteran presence to the locker room, and has enough versatility to give Vanderbilt options across multiple fronts. For a defense looking to find its identity, that kind of addition is more than just depth-it’s insurance with upside.