Looking to rebuild its offensive line following a dreadful season from the front five in 2023, Vanderbilt added another potential starter through the NCAA transfer portal Friday. Liberty transfer Chase Mitchell announced his commitment over interest from USC, Maryland and others, giving the Commodores an experienced tackle who projects to compete for major snaps.
Mitchell will have two seasons of eligibility remaining on West End and rejoins offensive line coach Chris Klenakis, who coached Mitchell in 2022 at Liberty. The 6-foot-5, 320-pounder started 12 games at left tackle for Liberty in 2023 and could slot in as Vanderbilt's right tackle opposite Gunnar Hansen. Mitchell rates as a 3-star transfer according to 247Sports' evaluators.
With the addition of Mitchell, Vanderbilt holds the nation's No. 40 transfer class per 247Sports' Team Rankings. The 'Dores set out to revamp their roster with more experience this offseason and have added 18 transfers to date.
Including Mitchell, Vanderbilt has added four offensive linemen who project to play roles in 2024. Mississippi State transfer Steven Losoya enrolled in January and is expected to start at center. UTEP transfer Steven Hubbard, a left tackle with the Miners, could start at either guard spot or possibly right tackle. Minnesota transfer Cade McConnell likely will back up Losoya while also providing depth at guard.
Elsewhere on the offensive line, redshirt sophomore Grayson Morgan is expected to play guard once he recovers from a back injury that held him out of spring practice. Gage Pitchford and Xavier Castillo are additional upperclassmen who could provide depth as reserve guards. Redshirt freshman Anthony Miles will compete for playing time at tackle after Leyton Nelson transferred to Wisconsin this spring.