In 1890, Vanderbilt became one of the South's premier teams, dominating regional rivals and boasting "The Father of Vanderbilt Football," chemistry professor William Lofland Dudley. But their early success faded as other SEC programs rose to prominence, leaving the Commodores adrift in a sea of crimson and orange.

Despite the challenges, Vanderbilt has had its moments of glory. They captured their first bowl victory in 53 years in 2008 under Bobby Johnson, and James Franklin spearheaded a brief renaissance, leading the team to consecutive bowl appearances in 2011 and 2012. Derek Mason built a strong defensive unit, culminating in a thrilling upset against No. 3 Georgia in 2016.

Yet, success has often been fleeting. The Commodores have struggled to find sustained momentum, often facing the daunting task of overcoming the SEC's elite programs. This struggle highlights the unique challenges of a team like Vanderbilt, where academic rigor and high admission standards limit the pool of potential recruits.

However, the Vanderbilt story isn't solely defined by wins and losses. The program has nurtured exceptional talent, from Earl Blazzard, the first African-American player to be drafted in the first round, to Jay Cutler, the NFL's highest-paid player at one point. They've instilled a culture of academic excellence, boasting the highest graduation rate among SEC football programs.