Nashville, August 22, 2025
News Summary
The Vanderbilt men’s basketball team is set to host Virginia in an exhibition game at Memorial Gymnasium on October 16. This exhibition marks the beginning of a new season for the Commodores, coming after a recent rule change allowing for two preseason exhibition games. Following this matchup, the university will host several other athletic events, including a football game against LSU. With a revamped roster, Vanderbilt looks to improve on last year’s performance as they prepare to kick off their season against Lipscomb.
Nashville
The Vanderbilt men’s basketball team will host Virginia in an exhibition matchup on October 16 at Memorial Gymnasium. This marks the first exhibition for the Commodores following a recent rule change that permits collegiate teams to play up to two preseason exhibition games.
The game will be open to the public, though details concerning ticket sales and the specific start time will be announced at a later date. Historically, the Commodores hold an edge over Virginia, with a 5-2 record in their previous contests spanning seven meetings.
Busy Weekend for Vanderbilt
This exhibition is part of a bustling weekend for the university with additional athletic events scheduled. Following the basketball game, Vanderbilt football will face LSU on October 18, and the SEC volleyball teams will have matches on both Friday and Sunday. The Commodores are also preparing to host UAB in an open scrimmage on October 23, just before their football game against Missouri.
Matchup Details with UAB
Vanderbilt’s matchup against UAB will serve as a significant return game, following a previous secret scrimmage held last fall. UAB concluded the 2024-25 season with a 24-13 record, despite the departure of their star player, Yaxel Lendeborg. In the last formal encounter between the teams during the 2022-23 season, UAB defeated Vanderbilt in the NIT.
UAB’s head coach, Mark Byington, led his team to a commendable 20 victories and 12 non-conference wins before the NCAA Tournament elimination at the hands of Saint Mary’s.
Vanderbilt’s Roster Changes
The Commodores enter the new season with a greatly revamped roster. The team finished the last season on a disappointing four-game losing streak, which they aim to rectify with new talent. Only three scholarship players are returning: Tyler Tanner, Devin McGlockton, and Tyler Nickel, all of whom are expected to play vital roles this season.
The incoming roster includes an eight-man transfer class, featuring players from notable schools such as TCU, North Carolina, Washington, Oklahoma, NC State, Jacksonville State, Cornell, and Eastern Kentucky. This reflects a concerted effort by the team’s recruitment to enhance the team’s length and size, as emphasized by assistant coach Xavier Joyner.
Upcoming Season Opener
The Commodores will officially kick off their season on November 3 against Lipscomb, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting year for the team and its supporters.
Summary of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 16 | Exhibition Game: Vanderbilt vs. Virginia |
| October 18 | Football Game: Vanderbilt vs. LSU |
| October 23 | Open Scrimmage: Vanderbilt vs. UAB |
| November 3 | Season Opener: Vanderbilt vs. Lipscomb |
FAQ
When is the exhibition game between Vanderbilt and Virginia?
The exhibition game is scheduled for October 16 at Memorial Gymnasium.
What is the historical record between Vanderbilt and Virginia?
Vanderbilt has a 5-2 record against Virginia in their seven previous matchups.
Who are the key returning players for Vanderbilt this season?
The key returning players are Tyler Tanner, Devin McGlockton, and Tyler Nickel.
When does Vanderbilt open their official basketball season?
Vanderbilt’s basketball season will officially open on November 3 against Lipscomb.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
University School of Nashville Evacuated After Bomb Threat
Vanderbilt Women’s Soccer Secures 6-0 Victory Over Tennessee Tech
Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball Team Prepares for Indiana Matchup
Shooting at East Nashville Block Party Claims Young Life
Vanderbilt University Appoints Jason Esposito as Hitting Coach
Vanderbilt Soccer Dominates Austin Peay in Season Opener
Vanderbilt Men’s Basketball Set to Compete in Battle 4 Atlantis
Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball Announces Nonconference Schedule
Vanderbilt University Engages Baker Donelson for Review
Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball Sets New Scoring Record
Additional Resources
- Vanderbilt Commodores
- Sports Illustrated
- The Tennessean
- Nashville Post
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball
Author: HERE Nashville
The NASHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENashville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Nashville, Davidson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as CMA Fest, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, and Nashville Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Nashville Health Care Council, plus leading businesses in healthcare, automotive, and technology that power the local economy such as HCA Healthcare, Bridgestone Americas, and Asurion. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HEREMemphis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
