Vanderbilt University has canceled the return game of a previously scheduled home-and-home football series against North Carolina State University. According to reporting from On3, the Commodores will pay the Wolfpack a $1 million buyout to terminate the 2028 contest.
SEC Scheduling Shift Forces Cancellation
The decision stems from the Southeastern Conference’s move to a nine-game conference schedule. In a statement provided to The Tennessean, a Vanderbilt spokesperson explained the sequence of events:
“After the SEC decided to move to a nine-game conference schedule, we contacted NC State in an effort to move our 2028 game. We have not been able to find a mutually agreeable date to reschedule and will not play NC State in 2028.”
New 2028 Non-Conference Opponent Secured
In June, Vanderbilt announced a replacement home-and-home series against the University of Virginia. The inaugural game of that series is slated for 2028, occupying the same date originally reserved for the Wolfpack.
Immediate Focus Remains on 2024 Matchup
The cancellation affects only the future return trip to Raleigh. The teams are still scheduled to meet at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville on September 19, 2024. That game serves as Vanderbilt’s final non-conference tune-up before opening SEC play against Auburn on September 26.
The Commodores enter the contest with a 2-0 record, while NC State sits at 1-1. Freshman quarterback Jared Curtis, a five-star recruit, is expected to make his first career start for Vanderbilt against the Wolfpack.
Series History and Future Scheduling
The home-and-home arrangement was originally finalized in 2016. Looking ahead to the 2028 season, FBSchedules.com indicates Vanderbilt also has contests booked against Tennessee State and Akron.
