AJ Swann

AJ Swann

 Photo: David Russell

Days after Vanderbilt’s football team completed its 2023 season, the Commodores still have a quarterback problem.

AJ Swann, Vandy’s presumed starting quarterback for 2024, on Monday announced his intention to enter the transfer portal after spending two years at the school. That news came a day after Ken Seals, who split starts with Swann and has two years of eligibility remaining, had announced his intention to enter the transfer portal as well.

Swann made his decision public on social media, thanking Vanderbilt fans and his teammates but not mentioning the team’s coaching staff.

“I want to start off by thanking God for guiding me and for blessing me with the opportunities I have had,” Swann wrote. “I also would like to thank my teammates for sticking with me and being by my side and to all y’all boys, love y’all and I know y’all are gonna be great and can’t wait to see y’all succeed.”

The departures of Swann and Seals leave Vanderbilt (2-10), which lost its last 10 games in 2023, looking for a starter in 2024. The only other quarterback on the roster who saw playing time in 2023 was Walter Taylor, who completed five-of-15 passes for 44 yards and ran for 103 yards and a touchdown during his sophomore season.

Other quarterbacks on the Vanderbilt roster include Drew Dickey, a four-star recruit who didn’t play in his first two seasons, as well as freshman Brennan Storer and junior Hayden Moses.

The 6-3, 228-pound Swann came into his sophomore season with high expectations after flashing as a freshman, when he completed 58 percent of his passes and threw for 1,274 yards, 10 touchdowns and two interceptions.

He started Vanderbilt’s first five games this season, but was troubled by a nagging elbow injury and threw seven interceptions in those contests. Swann was benched until the season finale, when he threw a touchdown pass against Tennessee. He wound up completing 107-of-196 passes for 1,457 yards, 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions in six games.

Seals started the next six games, completing 105-of-179 passes for 1,183 yards, 11 touchdowns and four interceptions. He played in 17 games in three seasons at Vanderbilt.

Among other Vanderbilt players who’ve announced they’ll be entering the transfer portal is linebacker Ethan Barr, who finished tied for third on the team in tackles with 55 in 2023. A three-year starter and two-time team captain for the ‘Dores, Barr has one season of eligibility remaining.