ESPN’s FPI has made its prediction for Vanderbilt’s first game of the season against Hawaii.

The Commodores host the Rainbow Warriors August 26th at First Bank Stadium for a Week 0 matchup that should be filled with action.

After a relatively successful 2022 campaign that included wins against Kentucky and Florida, Vanderbilt is looking to match and exceed that success this season. The Commodores will have to do it with a new quarterback, however, with Mike Wright transferring to Mississippi State following the end of last season.

Vanderbilt will likely go to redshirt junior AJ Swann as its starter. Swann appeared only in relief for Wright last season.

It looks like Vanderbilt could be off to a 1-0 start as ESPN’s football power index favors the Commodores heavily. Vanderbilt has an 81.8% chance of winning against Hawaii.

Hawaii had a less-than-desirable run in 2022, finishing 3-10. The matchup between Vanderbilt and Hawaii will be the second in a home-and-home series and the Commodores cruised to a 63-10 win last season. They will be looking for similar dominance to start of the 2023 campaign.

Last year’s matchup between the Commodores and Rainbow Warriors was the first between the 2 teams and the 2023 matchup will likely be the last for a while.