Under previous coach James Franklin, the football program enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance; since Franklin's arrival at Vanderbilt in 2011, the Commodores have appeared in consecutive bowl games for the first time in school history (2011 and 2012), and the 2012 team posted Vanderbilt's first 9-win season in over 80 years.

In making this decision, Chancellor Gordon Gee cited a need to reform college athletics, returning the emphasis to the student half of student-athletes.

Opinions vary as to the reason for selecting black and gold as the colors for Vanderbilt's teams.

Others say that Commodore Vanderbilt's legacy was called upon to develop school colors for the university that bears his name: black for the magnate's control of coal and gold for his money.

When questioned about the subject in the 1930s, the few remaining members of the school's first football squad from 1890 did not recall why they suddenly began appearing in black and gold.

In addition, the Commodores' second-oldest rivalry is with Ole Miss, and the two schools play each other every year as SEC cross-division "permanent opponents".

In addition, Vanderbilt and the University of Louisville of the ACC play for the "Battle of the Barrel" each year in baseball.

Vanderbilt has a number of football traditions: the "Commodore Creed" in the football locker room; the "Corridor of Captains" that honors Vanderbilt's athletics history; the "Star Walk" with fans, cheerleaders, and the Spirit of Gold Marching Band; the "Star V," an on-field formation by the marching band; the "Admiral", a foghorn from a U.S. Navy battleship that blows after every Vanderbilt score; "Mr. C," the mascot; the "Anchor Dash" by first-year students rushing the football field before kickoff of each season's home opener; the "Victory Flag" that is raised over Dudley Field after home wins; and the singing of the "Alma Mater" at the conclusion of a game (in most sports), win or lose.

The song references the vigor with which Vanderbilt plays and the enthusiasm of the university's fans, who cheer regardless of the outcome of the game.

The sport started out as a two-game schedule which featured a draw between Vanderbilt and then conference rival Sewanee.

Manager Bill Schwartz who formerly coached the Nashville Vols (1917, 1924–40, 1952) helped bring Vanderbilt to national prominence.

Under the direction of Larry Schmittou (1968–1978) the Commodores found even more success as the 1971 team began a four-year streak as SEC Eastern Divisional Champs with a 34–19 record.

[6] Tim Corbin (2003–present) has led Vanderbilt baseball into national prominence with players like Jeremy Sowers, David Price, Casey Weathers, Sonny Gray, Jensen Lewis and Pedro Álvarez.

The Commodores were ranked first in most polls for a large portion of the 2007 season and earned the #1 national seed for the 2007 NCAA tournament.

[7] Vanderbilt won the 2014 College World Series, the school's first national championship in any men's sport.

Vanderbilt's 2019 baseball team compiled a 59–12 record and won the 2019 College World Series in addition to the SEC regular-season and tournament titles.

In 1988, Vanderbilt managed to make it to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA tournament with the help of center and SEC Player of the Year Will Perdue.

In 1992, the Commodores (28–6) managed to win their third and SEC title and a trip to the Sweet Sixteen with the help of Duke transfer Billy McCaffrey.

Since the 2000s Vanderbilt has been able to produce several important players including Greg LaPointe, Russell Lakey, Scott Hundley, Corey Smith, Mario Moore, Julian Terrell, Shan Foster, Derrick Byars (2007 SEC Player of the Year), John Jenkins, Festus Ezeli, Jeffery Taylor and Darius Garland.

The Lady Commodores began their modern and successful period when Joe Pepper (1977–80) was named part-time coach.

Phil Lee (1980–91) became the school's first full-time coach in 1980 and helped lead the Lady Dores to their first 20 win season in 1981 and an appearance in the AIAW women's basketball tournament.

The Vanderbilt women captured the WNIT championship in 1984 and later made their first appearance in the NCAA tournament in 1986 while finishing the season ranked No.

Coach Jim Foster (1992–2002) brought the Vanderbilt women to new heights and national prominence with his hiring.

Vanderbilt's primary rivalries consist of the Tennessee Volunteers and the Ole Miss Rebels.

One of the most notable football players is Jay Cutler, who served as quarterback and offensive captain for the Commodores.

While at Vanderbilt, he started more than 40 consecutive games and set school records in touchdowns and rushing yards.

On April 19, 2022, Vanderbilt announced that it would reinstate women's volleyball in the 2025–26 school year (2025 season).

In 2015, the Vanderbilt women's tennis team won its first national championship by defeating the defending champions UCLA Bruins.

In 2018, the women's bowling team won its second national championship by defeating the defending champions McKendree University.