Vanderbilt Football Early Opponent Preview, Game 2: Delaware

Vanderbilt hosts Delaware in a rare Week 2 matchup on September 12 at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, marking the programs’ first meeting. Delaware, transitioning to FBS, went 7-6 with a bowl win in its inaugural FBS season and faces two Power Five nonconference challenges. Offensively, Delaware was dynamic last season, ranking among Conference USA leaders with quarterback Nick Minicucci throwing for 3,683 yards and a 23-7 TD-INT ratio, while Jo Silver (652 rushing yards) and Sean Wilson (877 receiving yards) are back. The defense was Delaware’s weakness, yielding over 400 yards per game and 31 points, despite adding transfers like James Steel and Jaquise Alexander. Vanderbilt’s schedule is challenging as it seeks to start 2026 strong, including early nonconference tests.