BIRMINGHAM, Ala. − Vanderbilt football finished with its first winning season since 2013 with a 35-27 win over Georgia Tech in the Birmingham Bowl.

The Commodores (7-6) last finished above .500 with a win in the same bowl (then called the BBVA Compass Bowl) in James Franklin’s last season with the program.

In Clark Lea’s fourth season, Vanderbilt finally has something to build on with a program that has swagger, a unique style and an upward trajectory.

Now, focus fully turns to the offseason as the Commodores figure to continue to pursue roster upgrades in the transfer portal while integrating their new freshmen and incoming transfers.

Here are our top reactions from the bowl:

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Diego Pavia gives fans look at 2025 Vanderbilt football season

Diego Pavia made a big block on a jet sweep. He evaded what seemed like multiple sure sacks. He showed the traits that have made him Vanderbilt’s game-changer all year long. He was named the Birmingham Bowl MVP for his performance, going 13-for-21 for 160 yards and three passing touchdowns while running for 84 yards and two touchdowns.

More importantly, he looked healthy. Pavia dealt with shoulder and knee injuries throughout the season that hampered his effectiveness at times, but he seemed to be back closer to full strength in the bowl game.

With Pavia at the helm, almost anything seems possible. It’s been a long time since the Commodores had this kind of game-changing player. And now, it’s official that this year won’t be Pavia’s last as he received an injunction in court allowing him an extra year of eligibility after he argued that years at junior college shouldn’t count against NCAA eligibility.

Vanderbilt showcased much-improved team culture

Randon Fontenette didn’t take the field for the bowl game despite being in uniform and going through warm-ups. Fontenette’s replacement was Jeffrey Ugochukwu, who has entered the transfer portal.

For Ugochukwu to still be with the team despite seeking a transfer is a testament to the many ways this team is different from the 2023 team. Players have talked about the culture issues from a year ago, when some players were thinking about their next destination while still in a Vanderbilt uniform.

Pavia has been one of the drivers of the improved culture, but he’s not the only one. Vanderbilt players have until Jan. 1 to enter the portal, but as of the bowl game, only one starter (Gunnar Hansen) has opted to leave.

Vanderbilt football’s biggest portal need is a top-tier receiver

Vanderbilt has already gotten to work in the transfer portal, especially on defense. The 2024 season showed just how much of a boost the right portal players can bring.

The Commodores have already found their next punter, Nick Haberer. FAU safety CJ Heard will help replace the lost impact of CJ Taylor and De’Rickey Wright. Defensive players out of the portal from Texas, Alabama and Tennessee will help shore up the depth.

But there’s still one major need: wide receiver. When Pavia geared to throw deep downfield, he often placed catchable balls but lacked receivers who could go up and get them. Vanderbilt has landed a commitment from a familiar Pavia target in Trent Hudson, but Hudson barely played at Mississippi State this season, which doesn’t garner optimism for his ability to be a No. 1 option.

Perhaps the Birmingham Bowl, and Pavia’s performance in it, can give the Commodores one last pitch for a top option at the position.

Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at [email protected] or on X, formerly Twitter, @aria_gerson.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Vanderbilt football: Diego Pavia returns in 2025 after Birmingham Bowl win