Vanderbilt sophomore Tyler Tanner is rapidly making a name for himself as a potential All-American under the guidance of head coach Mark Byington. The 6-foot guard, who hails from Brentwood Academy, has become a key player for the Commodores, leading the team in points, assists, and steals per game this season.
Having set the Vanderbilt freshman record for steals and tying the single-game assist record as a sophomore, Tanner is showcasing his talent on a larger stage during his second year. He is the only recruit from the Jerry Stackhouse era, and his development has solidified his status as one of the Southeastern Conference’s premier playmakers.
This season, Tanner averages an impressive 17.1 points per game, shooting 49.1% from the field and 39% from three-point range. He also contributes significantly with an average of 5.3 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.5 steals over 30.6 minutes of play. In his freshman year, Tanner averaged 20.5 minutes per game, scoring 5.7 points and setting a new freshman record with 55 steals.
Before joining Vanderbilt, Tanner was a standout in Tennessee high school basketball. He earned the title of DII-AA Mr. Basketball in 2024 and was named the Gatorade Tennessee Boys Basketball Player of the Year twice. In his senior season with the Eagles, he posted remarkable statistics, averaging 26.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.5 steals, and 3.3 assists per game.
Tanner is also tied for the single-game assists record at Vanderbilt, having achieved 14 assists in a key victory against South Carolina on January 3, alongside 19 points for his first career double-double. This performance places him in elite company, as he matches the record previously held by former SEC Player of the Year Billy McCaffrey.
Tyler Tanner’s basketball lineage is also noteworthy; both of his parents, D’Wayne and Jenifer, played college basketball at Rice University. D’Wayne holds the record for the most steals in a single season at Rice, highlighting an athletic family background.
As Tanner continues to develop his skills and make significant contributions on the court, he represents a beacon of hope for Vanderbilt basketball fans, signaling a promising future for both the player and the program.