Tyler Tanner of Vanderbilt and coach Mark Byington have been awarded player and coach of the year by the Tennessee Sports Writers Association. Tanner had an impressive season, averaging 19.5 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.4 steals per game.
Key points
Tyler Tanner named TSWA player of the year
Mark Byington named TSWA coach of the year
Tanner averaged 19.5 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.4 steals
Tanner set team records in assists and steals
Tanner may opt out of the 2026 NBA Draft
Mentioned in this story
Mark ByingtonTennessee Sports Writers Association
Tyler TannerVanderbilt Commodores
Vanderbilt's Tyler Tanner, Mark Byington earn TSWA player, coach of year awards
Tanner, a Brentwood Academy graduate who will enter his junior year next season if he opts out of the 2026 NBA Draft, averaged 19.5 points, 5.1 assists and 2.4 steals per game for the Commodores last season. He was named an honorable mention All-American by The Associated Press and the National Association of Basketball Coaches.
The first-team All-SEC pick also was named to the league's All-Defensive Team. He set team single-season records in assists (184) and steals (86). He also is the only player from a high-major program to have more than 700 points, 180 assists and 85 steals in one season and is the first men's college basketball player to do it since Steph Curry (Davidson) and David Holston (Chicago State) did it in 2008-09.
Q&A
What awards did Tyler Tanner and Mark Byington receive?
Tyler Tanner was named player of the year and Mark Byington was named coach of the year by the Tennessee Sports Writers Association.
What were Tyler Tanner's statistics during the last season?
Tyler Tanner averaged 19.5 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.4 steals per game for the Vanderbilt Commodores last season.
What records did Tyler Tanner set during his season?
Tanner set team single-season records in assists with 184 and steals with 86, and he is the only player from a high-major program to achieve over 700 points, 180 assists, and 85 steals in one season.
Is Tyler Tanner considering entering the NBA Draft?
Yes, Tyler Tanner is considering opting out of the 2026 NBA Draft as he prepares for his junior year.
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 21: Tyler Tanner #3 of the Vanderbilt Commodores dunks the ball against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Paycom Center on March 21, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) reacts after missing a three-point basket in the final seconds of the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 21, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 21: Tyler Tanner #3 of the Vanderbilt Commodores reacts after being defeated by the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Paycom Center on March 21, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) celebrates after making a basket during a first-round game in the NCAA men's basketball tournament between McNeese and Vanderbilt at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Thursday, March 19, 2026.
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) leaves the court after the SEC tournament championship loss against Arkansas at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) can’t finish the shot over Arkansas forward Nick Pringle (23) during the first half of the SEC tournament championship game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) lays in a two-pointer against Florida during their semifinal game of the 2026 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) dives out of bounds against Tennessee during their quarterfinal game of the 2026 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, March 13, 2026.
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) shoots over Tennessee center Felix Okpara (34) during their quarterfinal game of the 2026 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, March 13, 2026.
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) goes up for a layup as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026.
Jan 31, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) reacts after getting fouled and making the basket against the Mississippi Rebels during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Jan 31, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) shoots the ball over Mississippi Rebels guard AJ Storr (2) during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) celebrates defeating Kentucky at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026.
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) shoots for two past Kentucky forward Andrija Jelavic (4) during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026.
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) celebrates a dunk against Kentucky during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026.
Jan 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) shoots as Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Sergej Macura (11) defends during the first half at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Jan 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington talks with guard Tyler Tanner (3) during the first half against Mississippi State at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) bolts past Florida forward Alex Condon (21) during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026.
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) shoots past Florida center Rueben Chinyelu (9) during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026.
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) celebrates after defeating Alabama at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) reacts after defeating Alabama at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) dunks the ball against SMU during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) celebrates with Frankie Collins (1) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against SMU Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. Vanderbilt won 88-69.
Nov 20, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) steals the ball from Texas Southern Tigers guard Jaylen Wysinger (5) during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 21: Tyler Tanner #3 of the Vanderbilt Commodores celebrates a three point basket against the Saint Mary's Gaels during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 21, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Mar 21, 2025; Cleveland, OH, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) plays the ball in the second half against the St. Mary's Gaels at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Mar 21, 2025; Cleveland, OH, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) congratulates forward Jaylen Carey (22) in the first half against the St. Mary's Gaels at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) drives against Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) during their first round game of the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) walks off the court after a loss to Texas in a NCAA college basketball first round game at the men's Southeastern Conference Tournament Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) shoots over Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) during the first half at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) brings the ball up the court against Arkansas during the first half at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
Mar 1, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) lays the ball in under the arm of Missouri Tigers guard Jacob Crews (35) during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Feb 22, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) dunks the ball over Mississippi Rebels guard Sean Pedulla (3) during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Feb 19, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) brings the ball up court during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Feb 19, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) shoots the ball against Kentucky Wildcats center Amari Williams (22) during the first half at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Tennessee's Zakai Zeigler (5) dribbles while defended by Vanderbilt's Tyler Tanner (3) during a men’s college basketball game between Tennessee and Vanderbilt at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025.
Feb 11, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Auburn Tigers guard Denver Jones (2) grabs the jersey of Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) is guarded by Auburn guard Chad Baker-Mazara (10) during the second half at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025.
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) passes the ball as Texas forward Devon Pryor (22) defends during an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) guards Kentucky Wildcats guard Jaxson Robinson (2) during their game at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) shoots for two against Kentucky Wildcats guard Lamont Butler (1) during their game at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.
Jan 21, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Mark Sears (1) drives the ball against Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) during the second half at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) blocks the shot of Tennessee Volunteers guard Zakai Zeigler (5) during their game at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) dunks after making a steal against Tennessee Volunteers guard Zakai Zeigler (5) during their game at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) celebrates with fans after defeating South Carolina at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025.
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) saves the ball from going out of bounds during an NCAA college basketball game against California Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) hangs on the rim after a dunk against California during an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. Tanner was called for a technical foul for hanging on the rim after the dunk.
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) dribbles the ball during an NCAA college basketball practice Tuesday, October 8, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
Division II-AA Mr. Basketball Winner Brentwood Academy's Tyler Tanner accepts his award from TSSAA Board of Control President Mike Reed during the TSSAA 2024 Mr. and Miss Basketball Awards at MTSU, on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.
Brentwood Academy's Tyler Tanner (5) reacts after defeating Briarcrest in the DII-AA championship game at the Hooper Eblen Center in Cookeville, Tenn., Saturday, March 4, 2023.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 21: Tyler Tanner #3 of the Vanderbilt Commodores dunks the ball against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Paycom Center on March 21, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 21: Tyler Tanner #3 of the Vanderbilt Commodores dunks the ball against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Paycom Center on March 21, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) reacts after missing a three-point basket in the final seconds of the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 21, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 21: Tyler Tanner #3 of the Vanderbilt Commodores reacts after being defeated by the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Paycom Center on March 21, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) celebrates after making a basket during a first-round game in the NCAA men's basketball tournament between McNeese and Vanderbilt at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Thursday, March 19, 2026.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) leaves the court after the SEC tournament championship loss against Arkansas at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, March 15, 2026.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) can’t finish the shot over Arkansas forward Nick Pringle (23) during the first half of the SEC tournament championship game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, March 15, 2026.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) lays in a two-pointer against Florida during their semifinal game of the 2026 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 14, 2026.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) dives out of bounds against Tennessee during their quarterfinal game of the 2026 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, March 13, 2026.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) shoots over Tennessee center Felix Okpara (34) during their quarterfinal game of the 2026 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, March 13, 2026.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) goes up for a layup as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Jan 31, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) reacts after getting fouled and making the basket against the Mississippi Rebels during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Jan 31, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) shoots the ball over Mississippi Rebels guard AJ Storr (2) during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) celebrates defeating Kentucky at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) shoots for two past Kentucky forward Andrija Jelavic (4) during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) celebrates a dunk against Kentucky during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Jan 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) shoots as Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Sergej Macura (11) defends during the first half at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Jan 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington talks with guard Tyler Tanner (3) during the first half against Mississippi State at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) bolts past Florida forward Alex Condon (21) during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) shoots past Florida center Rueben Chinyelu (9) during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) celebrates after defeating Alabama at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) reacts after defeating Alabama at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) dunks the ball against SMU during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) celebrates with Frankie Collins (1) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against SMU Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. Vanderbilt won 88-69.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Nov 20, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) steals the ball from Texas Southern Tigers guard Jaylen Wysinger (5) during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 21: Tyler Tanner #3 of the Vanderbilt Commodores celebrates a three point basket against the Saint Mary's Gaels during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 21, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Mar 21, 2025; Cleveland, OH, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) plays the ball in the second half against the St. Mary's Gaels at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Mar 21, 2025; Cleveland, OH, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) congratulates forward Jaylen Carey (22) in the first half against the St. Mary's Gaels at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) drives against Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) during their first round game of the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) walks off the court after a loss to Texas in a NCAA college basketball first round game at the men's Southeastern Conference Tournament Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) shoots over Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) during the first half at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) brings the ball up the court against Arkansas during the first half at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Mar 1, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) lays the ball in under the arm of Missouri Tigers guard Jacob Crews (35) during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Feb 22, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) dunks the ball over Mississippi Rebels guard Sean Pedulla (3) during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Feb 19, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) brings the ball up court during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Feb 19, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) shoots the ball against Kentucky Wildcats center Amari Williams (22) during the first half at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Tennessee's Zakai Zeigler (5) dribbles while defended by Vanderbilt's Tyler Tanner (3) during a men’s college basketball game between Tennessee and Vanderbilt at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Feb 11, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Auburn Tigers guard Denver Jones (2) grabs the jersey of Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) is guarded by Auburn guard Chad Baker-Mazara (10) during the second half at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) passes the ball as Texas forward Devon Pryor (22) defends during an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) guards Kentucky Wildcats guard Jaxson Robinson (2) during their game at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) shoots for two against Kentucky Wildcats guard Lamont Butler (1) during their game at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Jan 21, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Mark Sears (1) drives the ball against Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) during the second half at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) blocks the shot of Tennessee Volunteers guard Zakai Zeigler (5) during their game at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) dunks after making a steal against Tennessee Volunteers guard Zakai Zeigler (5) during their game at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) celebrates with fans after defeating South Carolina at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) saves the ball from going out of bounds during an NCAA college basketball game against California Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) hangs on the rim after a dunk against California during an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. Tanner was called for a technical foul for hanging on the rim after the dunk.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) dribbles the ball during an NCAA college basketball practice Tuesday, October 8, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Division II-AA Mr. Basketball Winner Brentwood Academy's Tyler Tanner accepts his award from TSSAA Board of Control President Mike Reed during the TSSAA 2024 Mr. and Miss Basketball Awards at MTSU, on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.
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Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark Byington
Brentwood Academy's Tyler Tanner (5) reacts after defeating Briarcrest in the DII-AA championship game at the Hooper Eblen Center in Cookeville, Tenn., Saturday, March 4, 2023.
What Mark Byington accomplished in 2025-26
Byington led the Commodores a 27-9 record, the second-most single-season wins in program history. In the process, he became the first Vanderbilt coach to win at least 20 games in each of his first two seasons.
He also led the Commodores to their second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance and their first tournament win since 2012. They reached the SEC championship game for the first time since 2012 and spent 14 weeks in the AP poll, peaking at No. 10.
The Commodores also passed the 3,000-point mark for the first time in program history.
Paul Skrbina is a sports enterprise reporter covering the Predators, Titans, Nashville SC, local colleges and local sports for The Tennessean. Reach him at pskrbina@tennessean.com and on the X platform (formerly known as Twitter) @paulskrbina.
