University of Tennessee Band Director Michael Stewart and his wife Kelli played together in the Ohio State Marching Band. They performed at the 1996 Citrus Bowl, the last time the Vols faced the Buckeyes.
Vandy’s Diego Pavia has made headlines all year, especially after upsetting the Alabama Crimson Tide — however recently it’s been in regards to playing another year of college football.
Music City becomes the 11th city to host the FCS championship game since 1978. The games will be played at FirstBank Stadium on Vanderbilt University’s campus on Jan. 6 2026 and Jan. 4, 2027.
The Commodores are set to take on Georgia Tech on Dec. 27 in the Birmingham Bowl. With a win, Lea could lead Vandy to its first winning season since 2013.