Texas vs Vanderbilt matchup highlights college football's new order

Clark Lea, head coach of the Vanderbilt Commodores, has transformed his team into a competitive force in college football, aiming for a spot in the SEC championship for the first time since the conference introduced the title game in 1992. Despite starting with a 9-27 record and losing key players to transfers, Lea adapted by embracing the transfer portal, bringing in impactful players like quarterback Diego Pavia. Pavia has played a crucial role in Vanderbilt's resurgence, leading them to a 7-1 record and placing him in contention for the Heisman Trophy.

In contrast, Texas Longhorns' head coach Steve Sarkisian prefers to build his team through high school recruitment rather than heavily relying on transfers. Sarkisian believes in developing players within the program to maintain a strong team culture. Texas has successfully recruited top-tier high school talent, allowing Sarkisian the flexibility to selectively use the transfer portal.

The contrasting strategies of Vanderbilt and Texas highlight different approaches to roster building in college football.