SEC Announces Surprising Punishment Ruling on Vanderbilt After LSU Win
The Vanderbilt Commodores secured a massive win on Sunday over the LSU Tigers, led by star quarterback Diego Pavia, who threw for 160 yards, rushed for 86 more on 17 carries, and totaled three touchdowns in the team’s 31–24 victory. The win keeps Vanderbilt firmly in the College Football Playoff race as they rise to No. 10 in the AP Top 25 rankings. Following the game, Commodore fans stormed the field — a move that typically carries a hefty $500,000 fine from the SEC. However, as seen last week with the Colorado Buffaloes, universities can avoid the fine by following proper protocols for field-storming celebrations. On Monday, the SEC announced that Vanderbilt successfully avoided the fine with a “delayed field rush,” allowing players and coaches to safely exit the field while ensuring all protocols were properly executed. More NCAA: Auburn’s Hugh Freeze Sounds Off on Lack of Support Amid Firing Speculation NEWS | @vucommodores avoids a fine with "delayed field rush" following football game against LSU: https://t.co/vCvymt6UpI— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) October 20, 2025 More NCAA: College Football Program Earns Top 10 Ranking for First Time Since 1947 “Vanderbilt University avoided a fine that accompanies the Southeastern Conference’s access to competition area policy by successfully executing a ‘delayed field rush’ following its football game against LSU on October 18,” the SEC said in a statement. “SEC policy requires a fine of $500,000 for a violation of the league’s access to competition area policy in all sports. For conference contests, fines are paid to the opposing institution. However, the policy allows member institutions to adopt an institutional policy that permits fans to celebrate on the playing surface once all visiting team personnel and game officials have safely exited the field or court.” NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 18: Diego Pavia #2 of the Vanderbilt Commodores reacts after a victory against the LSU Tigers at FirstBank Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images) Vanderbilt is having arguably its best season in program history, and with five games remaining in the regular season, it’s safe to say the Commodores control their own destiny from here on out. That said, their schedule won’t be easy, with three more ranked opponents still ahead. This week, ESPN’s College GameDay is set to be in Nashville for the first time in over a decade as Vanderbilt hosts No. 15 Missouri in a matchup with major implications. More NCAA: College Football Coach Under Fire After 25-Point Loss
