Mark Byington had a good thing going at James Madison. He built the Dukes into a 32-4 juggernaut in 2023-24 before departing for Vanderbilt. He had a solid first season in Nashville, taking the Commodores to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2017 last year.
This year, Vandy will have its highest NCAA Tournament seed since 2012. A victory on Sunday would also give the ‘Dores their first SEC Tournament title since that same season.
Outsiders may be surprised at Vanderbilt’s ascension under Byington, but neither he nor former colleagues are shocked. On Sunday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel recounted how Byington and Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti — who was at JMU from 2022-23 — knew they could make waves in the modern college sports landscape.
“[Curt Cignetti and Mar Byington] both left James Madison two years ago with a belief that this era of college athletics is ripe for disruption,” Thamel said. “Today for Vanderbilt could be a day where disruption meets reality… they want to etch their name into a trophy and bring it home.”
With a signature moment looming for Vanderbilt, a look at how Mark Byington left James Madison with a belief that this era of college sports is ripe for disruption. pic.twitter.com/g0K3GlfqRH
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) March 15, 2026Thamel added that Byington told him he “wants to build Vanderbilt up to be Nashville’s team.”
A victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks to capture the SEC crown would go a long way toward accomplishing that goal.
Prediction Markets Men's SEC Basketball Tournament Winner Learn more about Prediction Markets Kalshi Vanderbilt 56% Arkansas 43% PredictPete Thamel highlights Vanderbilt’s rise under Mark Byington ahead of SEC title game Saturday Down South.
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