Vanderbilt leading receiver Will Sheppard broke the news Sunday that he is entering the portal once it opens on Dec. 4.

Sheppard led the Commodores with 684 yards receiving and had 8 touchdowns on the year as well. Sheppard didn’t miss a single game for Vanderbilt in 2023.

Here’s what Sheppard had to say about the decision:

“Thank you to the teammates and ones who stuck by me and kept it real from start to finish. I’ve created bonds that will last forever. Finally, thank you to my family for believing in me and supporting me every day,” said Sheppard. “With that being said I will be entering my name into the transfer portal and am excited for the next step in reaching the ultimate goal.”

Derek Mason originally recruited Sheppard before being fired during the 2020 season. Sheppard was a former 3-star wideout in the 2020 class out of Mandeville (La.) High.

Vandy was Sheppard’s only SEC offer out of high school.

It was a rough season for Clark Lea and Vanderbilt. The Commodores started the year at 2-0 and then proceeded to lose their next 10 games. 2023 was the 2nd time in 3 seasons that Vanderbilt has finished 2-10 under Lea.

Sheppard now joins starting defensive end Nate Clifton as the most recent players to hit the portal out of Nashville.