The crisp spring air at Vanderbilt Stadium carried a sense of focused energy this week as the Commodores wrapped up their sixth spring practice session. Even as the broader narrative of spring football often centers on positional battles and scheme adjustments, a particular player is drawing attention: Makhilyn Young. The rising sophomore receiver is quickly becoming a focal point of the Vanderbilt offense, showcasing a blend of size, speed, and a rapidly developing understanding of the playbook. This spring practice period is crucial for Young and the entire team as they prepare for the challenges of the Southeastern Conference, and the early returns are encouraging for head coach Clark Lea and his staff.
Young’s emergence isn’t happening in a vacuum. Vanderbilt University consistently emphasizes academic excellence alongside athletic achievement, a commitment recently highlighted by the announcement that nearly 90 student-athletes earned a spot on the 2025 Fall SEC Academic Honor Roll. A total of 87 student-athletes from five sport programs—baseball, bowling, cross country, football, and lacrosse—were recognized for their classroom performance. This dedication to academics underscores the university’s holistic approach to student-athlete development, and it’s a culture that Young appears to be thriving in.
Makhilyn Young: A Rising Star in the Vanderbilt Receiving Corps
Young arrived at Vanderbilt as a three-star recruit out of Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, Tennessee. While he saw limited action during the 2023 season, appearing in four games, the coaching staff clearly sees potential for significant growth. Reports from spring practice suggest he’s making strides in route running and securing contested catches. His 6’3” frame provides a valuable target for quarterback Ken Seals and the other signal callers vying for the starting role. The competition at the quarterback position—including transfers and returning players—is itself a key storyline of the spring, and a reliable receiving threat like Young will be essential for whoever ultimately takes the snaps.
The Vanderbilt coaching staff has been vocal about the demand to improve the team’s offensive production. In 2023, the Commodores struggled to consistently move the ball through the air, averaging just 186.4 passing yards per game, according to Sports Reference. Developing Young into a dependable receiver is a key component of addressing that weakness. He’s not just being asked to run routes; he’s being challenged to understand the nuances of the offense and make adjustments on the fly.
Spring Practice Insights and Offensive Adjustments
Beyond Young’s individual development, Vanderbilt’s spring practices have offered glimpses into potential offensive adjustments. Offensive coordinator Ricky Brumfield, hired in February 2024, is implementing a system designed to be more versatile and explosive. Brumfield’s background includes stops at several programs known for their offensive prowess, and he’s emphasizing quick passes, play-action concepts, and utilizing the tight end position more effectively. Young’s size and athleticism make him a natural fit for many of these schemes.
Defensive coordinator David Kotulski is too working to refine the Commodore defense, which allowed an average of 34.8 points per game in 2023. Improving the pass rush and tightening coverage in the secondary are top priorities. The spring practices provide a valuable opportunity for the defense to gel and develop chemistry, particularly with several novel faces joining the roster.
The Importance of SEC Competition
The upcoming season will be particularly challenging for Vanderbilt as they navigate a revamped Southeastern Conference. The addition of Oklahoma and Texas will undoubtedly raise the level of competition, and the Commodores will need to be prepared for a grueling schedule. The SEC is widely considered the most competitive conference in college football, and success will require consistent execution and a commitment to both physical and mental toughness. Young’s development, along with the overall progress of the team during spring practice, will be critical as they prepare for these challenges.
The academic achievements of Vanderbilt’s student-athletes, as evidenced by the recent SEC Honor Roll announcement, are a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals. This emphasis on academics isn’t separate from the athletic program; it’s an integral part of the Vanderbilt experience. It creates an environment where student-athletes are encouraged to excel both on and off the field, and it’s a culture that Makhilyn Young appears to be embracing.
As Vanderbilt concludes its spring practice period, the focus now shifts to summer conditioning and preparing for fall camp. The coaching staff will continue to evaluate players and refine the game plan. The next key date on the calendar is the release of the official fall roster and the start of preseason training in August. Fans can stay updated on the team’s progress through the official Vanderbilt Athletics website, vucommodores.com, and by following the team on social media.
The development of players like Makhilyn Young offers a tangible sign of progress for the Vanderbilt football program. While challenges undoubtedly lie ahead, the Commodores are building a foundation based on hard operate, academic excellence, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
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