The Knoxville Catholic alum was one of the top kickers in the country, and in high school, he began being recruited by the Tennessee staff.
But the Vols were in turmoil at that time. There was lots of coaching turnover, and Tennessee had scholarship penalties after theJeremy Pruitt recruiting scandal. Because of that, the Vols couldn't afford to give a scholarship to a kicker. They wantedTayloras a preferred walk-on.
"Vanderbilt stepped in and said, 'You're not a walk-on. You're going to come here and be our guy for the next four years and we're going to place that bet on you,'" Taylor said Aug. 13. " ... That's all I needed to hear. I already loved the staff and everything. I wanted to go to a better school than Tennessee."
The Vanderbilt football team goes through stretching exercises during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis (2) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt wide receiver Junior Sherrill (0) makes a catch during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt edge Brian Allen Jr. (10) runs drills during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt Coach Clark Lea works with his team on kick return coverage during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt tight end Cole Spence (16) drills in practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterbacks, from left, Drew Cowart (14), Whit Muschamp (10), Jared Curtis (2) and Blaze Berlowitz (1) work on a drill during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. A starting quarterback hasn’t been named for the team.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt offensive linemen Micah DeBose (65) and Michael Smith (77) drill during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt Chief Consultant to the Head Coach/Senior Offensive Advisor Jerry Kill works with players during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt running back Jamezell Lassiter (3) runs the ball during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterbacks Blaze Berlowitz (1) and Jared Curtis (2) go through drills during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt tight end Gabe Fisher (44) makes a catch during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt Defensive Coordinator Steve Gregory attends practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt tight end Jayvontay Conner (8) makes a catch during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt long snapper Stone Owens (53) works on return drills during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt Coach Clark Lea presides over practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt running back Evan Hampton (23) run the ball during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt edge Miles Capers (29) runs drills during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Drew Cowart (14) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt tight end Elijah Rooney (49) makes a catch during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt tight end Jayvontay Conner (8) goes through drills during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt tight end Maurice Veney (19) makes a catch during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt offensive linemen Gunner Givens (50) and Mitch DeBose (65) drill during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis (2) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt wide receiver Kayleb Barnett (13) makes a catch during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt wide receiver Wils Jackson talks with Coach Clark Lea during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt tight end Cole Spence (16) drills in practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt wide receiver Cole Adams (7) runs the ball during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis (2) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt wide receiver Owen Cabell (84) makes a catch during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt running back Makhilyn Young (22) runs the ball during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis (2) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt wide receiver Kayleb Barnett (13) makes a catch during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt running back Jamezell Lassiter (3) runs the ball during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt Chief Consultant to the Head Coach/Senior Offensive Advisor Jerry Kill works with players during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt wide receiver Kayleb Barnett (13) runs the ball during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt Defensive Coordinator Steve Gregory attends practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt wide receiver Brycen Coleman (9) makes a catch during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt Chief Consultant to the Head Coach/Senior Offensive Advisor Jerry Kill takes in stretching exercises during football practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt wide receiver Tristen Brown (5) makes a catch during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
The Vanderbilt football team goes through stretching exercises during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
The Vanderbilt football team goes through stretching exercises during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis (2) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt wide receiver Junior Sherrill (0) makes a catch during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt edge Brian Allen Jr. (10) runs drills during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt Coach Clark Lea works with his team on kick return coverage during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt tight end Cole Spence (16) drills in practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt quarterbacks, from left, Drew Cowart (14), Whit Muschamp (10), Jared Curtis (2) and Blaze Berlowitz (1) work on a drill during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. A starting quarterback hasn’t been named for the team.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt offensive linemen Micah DeBose (65) and Michael Smith (77) drill during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt Chief Consultant to the Head Coach/Senior Offensive Advisor Jerry Kill works with players during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt running back Jamezell Lassiter (3) runs the ball during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt quarterbacks Blaze Berlowitz (1) and Jared Curtis (2) go through drills during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt tight end Gabe Fisher (44) makes a catch during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt Defensive Coordinator Steve Gregory attends practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt tight end Jayvontay Conner (8) makes a catch during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt long snapper Stone Owens (53) works on return drills during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt Coach Clark Lea presides over practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt running back Evan Hampton (23) run the ball during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt edge Miles Capers (29) runs drills during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt quarterback Drew Cowart (14) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt tight end Elijah Rooney (49) makes a catch during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt tight end Jayvontay Conner (8) goes through drills during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt tight end Maurice Veney (19) makes a catch during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt offensive linemen Gunner Givens (50) and Mitch DeBose (65) drill during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis (2) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt wide receiver Kayleb Barnett (13) makes a catch during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt wide receiver Wils Jackson talks with Coach Clark Lea during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt tight end Cole Spence (16) drills in practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt wide receiver Cole Adams (7) runs the ball during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis (2) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt wide receiver Owen Cabell (84) makes a catch during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt running back Makhilyn Young (22) runs the ball during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis (2) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt wide receiver Kayleb Barnett (13) makes a catch during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt running back Jamezell Lassiter (3) runs the ball during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt Chief Consultant to the Head Coach/Senior Offensive Advisor Jerry Kill works with players during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt wide receiver Kayleb Barnett (13) runs the ball during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt Defensive Coordinator Steve Gregory attends practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt wide receiver Brycen Coleman (9) makes a catch during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt Chief Consultant to the Head Coach/Senior Offensive Advisor Jerry Kill takes in stretching exercises during football practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football, Jared Curtis first practice for 2026 season
Vanderbilt wide receiver Tristen Brown (5) makes a catch during practice at Vanderbilt University Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
After redshirting his freshman season, Taylor broke out as a sophomore in 2024, making 18 of his 21 field goal attempts and setting a school record with a 57-yard field goal. That year, he was a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award for the nation's best kicker.
His 2025 numbers declined through no fault of his own. With theCommodoreshaving such an explosive offense, Taylor only had the chance to attempt one field goal per game on average. He made 13 of his 14 attempts to go along with 60-for-61 on extra points. To go along with that, Taylor experienced the program's first 10-win season ever and a win over the Vols.
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It's a tradeoff Taylor will happily take.
"I'd rather win than everything," Taylor said. "I love to win, whether it's in the kicking game or in general, and truthfully our offense proved themselves time and time again, that if we're going to go for it on fourth down, we're going to get it. And so all I do in those situations is just support and know that the coaches know if we need a field goal, I'll be prepared."
Beating Tennessee was special for Taylor. When Taylor took his official visit to Vanderbilt, assistant coach Jamaal Richardson told him that while Taylor was there, theCommodoreswould go to Knoxville and win.
During game week, Taylor got plenty of texts, many along the lines of "Good luck to everybody on that field, hopefully you play good," he said.
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"To me, that's a diss, in my opinion," Taylor said. "No matter who it's coming from, it could be my uncle or anything. For me, I want to win that game every time we play them."
However many opportunities Taylor gets this season, it will be hard to top what he's already done. His coaches believe he can, though. Vanderbilt's special teams coaches are comfortable with him attempting kicks up to the low-60s in yardage.
One area for growth for Taylor is kickoffs. Last season, Taylor primarily focused on kicking the ball into the end zone for touchbacks, but this season, with kick coverage improved, the Commodores want him to try some kicks that don't reach the end zone to try to pin opponents deep.
"He's had a great career," assistant special teams coach Shane Gallant said. "On the field, obviously, he's accomplished a bunch. Field goal wise, we really do trust him to go out there and make kicks from all over the field. ... We're really looking to take a jump in (field position), and that's going to start with kickoff coverage. That's going to start with Brock hanging kicks up for our kickoff guys to get down there and make plays."
