Vanderbilt Football Dominates Charleston Southern 45-3 Season Opener

Vanderbilt football dominated Charleston Southern in their 2025 season opener, winning 45-3 at FirstBank Stadium with quarterback Diego Pavia leading the charge. Pavia passed for 275 yards and three touchdowns, completing 20 of 25 attempts before being subbed out in the third quarter as the Commodores held a commanding 35-0 lead. Freshmen and transfers like wide receiver Tre Richardson and running back Makhilyn Young made notable contributions, with Richardson catching five passes for 74 yards and Young scoring a touchdown. The Commodores exhibited a strong offensive performance with 481 total yards, while Charleston Southern managed only 135 yards and avoided a shutout with a late field goal. Vanderbilt’s defense held the Buccaneers to minimal offensive production, continuing Charleston Southern’s long-standing struggles against FBS teams. The win marks Vanderbilt’s fourth consecutive season opener victory, with Pavia showing improved health management and efficiency from the previous season.