South Dakota transfer OL Bryce Henderson signs with Vanderbilt

South Dakota transfer offensive tackle Bryce Henderson has signed with Vanderbilt. He has played the past five seasons for the Coyotes and will bring one year of eligibility remaining with him to Nashville.

Henderson was a starter at South Dakota for each of the past three seasons, playing both the left guard and right tackle positions. He played all 14 games of 2024 at right tackle as was named second team All-Missouri Valley.

The 6-foot-8 offensive lineman was instrumental in helping the Coyotes rank second in the FBS in tackles for loss allowed per game (2.93) and ninth in sacks allowed (0.93). They also ranked ninth in total offense and advanced to the semifinals of the FCS playoffs before falling against Montana State.

Henderson attended Aurora Christian Schools (IL) and was unranked as a prospect when he committed to South Dakota in 2020. He did not appear in any games for the Coyotes during the first two years that he was on campus.

Overall, Bryce Henderson is the 13th player and fourth offensive lineman that Vanderbilt has brought in through the transfer portal this offseason. Those numbers put the Commodores at No. 32 overall and No. 8 in the SEC according to On3’s Transfer Portal Team Rankings.

Vanderbilt is coming off of its first winning season in more than a decade, going 7-6 and winning the Birmingham Bowl. Their offensive line was a big strength, allowing the second-fewest sacks per game (1.39) in the SEC, and Henderson will hope to continue that in 2025.

Vanderbilt TE Eli Stowers planning to return in 2025

Vanderbilt TE Eli Stowers will be back in Music City next fall. Per ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Stowers will return to the Commodores rather than entering the 2025 NFL Draft in order to stay a part of what they’re doing right now at Vandy.

Stowers has since made the announcement of his return to Vandy on social media.

“My time here at Vandy has been a blessing and what God is allowing us to build here is something special,” Stowers wrote. “After a lot of prayer on what my future should hold, I’ve decided that I’ll be returning to Vanderbilt for my final year of eligibility! Love y’all Commodore Nation! Let’s run it back!!”

Stowers just finished his first season at Vanderbilt and fourth in total after one at New Mexico State, following two at Texas A&M. Over 33 games played, Stowers has 84 receptions for 1,004 yards and seven touchdowns. That includes 49 catches for 638 yards and five scores this year for the Commodores.

That production earned recognition for Stowers on the All-SEC First Team as he was also a semifinalist for The Mackey Award. He also received All-SEC and All-American votes from multiple media outlets.

On3’s Sam Gillenwater contributed to this report.