BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Vanderbilt football completed its first winning season since 2013 with a 35-27 victory over Georgia Tech in the Birmingham Bowl.

The Commodores (7-6) ended James Franklin’s final season with the program by beating .500 by winning the same bowl (then called the BBVA Compass Bowl).

In Clark Lea’s fourth season, Vanderbilt finally has something to build on, with a program full of swagger, unique style and an upward trajectory.

Now all the focus turns to the offseason as the Commodores will continue to pursue roster upgrades in the transfer portal while also integrating their new recruits and incoming transfers.

Here are our top reactions from the bowl:

MORE ABOUT PAVIA Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia on why he sued the NCAA, what NIL money means for him and other athletes

Diego Pavia gives fans a glimpse into the 2025 Vanderbilt football season

Diego Pavia made a big block on a jet sweep. He seemingly dodged several safe sacks. He showed the traits that have made him a game-changer for Vanderbilt all year. For his performance, he was named Birmingham Bowl MVP. He completed 13 of 21 for 160 yards and three passing touchdowns while running for 84 yards and two touchdowns.

More importantly, he looked healthy. Pavia struggled with shoulder and knee injuries throughout the season that affected his performance at times, but he appeared to be closer to full strength in the bowl game.

With Pavia at the helm, almost anything seems possible. It’s been a long time since the Commodores had such a game-changing player. And now it’s official that this year won’t be Pavia’s last, as he won a court injunction granting him an extra year of eligibility after arguing that junior college years don’t count toward NCAA eligibility. Eligibility to play should be taken into account.

Vanderbilt demonstrated a significantly improved team culture

Randon Fontenette did not take the field for the bowl game, although he wore his uniform and did warmups. Fontenette’s successor was Jeffrey Ugochukwu, who entered the transfer portal.

That Ugochukwu is still with the team despite his desire to transfer is a testament to the many differences between this team and the 2023 team. Players have spoken out about the culture issues from a year ago, when some players were still wearing Vanderbilt jerseys thinking about their next destination.

Pavia was one of the drivers of the improved culture, but he is not the only one. Vanderbilt players have until January 1 to enter the portal, but at the time of the bowl game only one starter (Gunnar Hansen) has elected to exit the portal.

The Vanderbilt Football portal’s biggest need is a top receiver

Vanderbilt has already put in work in the transfer portal, particularly on defense. The 2024 season has shown how much of a boost the right portal players can bring.

The Commodores have already found their next customer: Nick Haberer. FAU safety CJ Heard will help replace the lost impact of CJ Taylor and De’Rickey Wright. Portal defensive players from Texas, Alabama and Tennessee will help bolster the depth.

But there is still one big need: wide receiver. When Pavia looked to throw deep downfield, he often placed balls that could be caught, but lacked receivers who could go up and catch them. Vanderbilt has received a commitment from a known Pavia target in Trent Hudson, but Hudson has barely played at Mississippi State this season, which doesn’t inspire optimism about his ability to be a No. 1 option.

Perhaps the Birmingham Bowl and Pavia’s performance in it can give the Commodores a final spot for a top option at the position.

Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at [email protected] or on X, formerly Twitter, @aria_gerson.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Vanderbilt football: Diego Pavia returns in 2025 after Birmingham Bowl win