CJ Taylor, Vanderbilt’s standout linebacker, announced Monday afternoon that he will be returning to Nashville for another season at Vanderbilt.

Taylor was a bright spot on a rough Vanderbilt defense from this past season. He totaled 55 tackles with 3 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles and 2 interceptions. The 6-1 junior is originally from McMinnville, Tennessee and committed to Vanderbilt as a 3-star prospect in the Class of 2021.

2024 will be Taylor’s final season of eligibility.

“First and foremost, I wanna thank my mom and my support system for being with me in an important time,” Taylor wrote, via X. “June 5th, 2021, is when I stepped on campus at Vanderbilt University, and (to) sit and say I haven’t considered stepping away the last few days would be a lie. I have had long nights of uncertainty and I’ve leaned on God to help me make this decision, but with that being said I will be returning to Vanderbilt for my last year of college football. With that being said for all transfers/recruits looking to come to Vanderbilt, if you are not ready to come and build something rethink your decision. WE are on a mission.”

Taylor joins leading tackler Langston Patterson in announcing that he will be returning for the 2024 season.