4-star safety Ladarian Clardy confirms official visit to Vanderbilt Commodores this weekend: Report

Four-star safety Ladarian Clardy from the class of 2025 was originally set to announce his commitment last month, but a change of plans led him to reschedule it for Sept. 21, which is his brother's birthday. Clardy's top schools include Ole Miss, UCF, Mississippi State, Washington and Florida State.

Vanderbilt has entered the race for his pledge by securing an official visit from him. On3 recruiting director Chad Simmons reported that Clardy visited Oxford last weekend to watch the Rebels play against Furman and has an official visit to Vanderbilt planned for Saturday.

“I have been talking to Vanderbilt for a couple of weeks now,” Clardy shared with On3. “I’ve been talking to the whole staff and they’ve been letting me know I’m the top safety on the board, so I want to check it out.”

Coach Clark Lea's Commodores, who had a 2-10 season in 2023, have received commitments from nine players in their 2025 class. This class currently ranks No. 70 nationally and No. 16 in the Southeastern Conference.

The recruits include cornerback Cayden Daniels, safety Carson Lawrence, wide receiver Cameran Dickson, edge rusher George Okorie, cornerback Vanzale Hinton, linebacker Josiah Broxton, quarterback Jack Elliott, edge rusher Zion Lawson and running back Gabe Fields.

Ole Miss remains the frontrunner for Ladarian Clardy's commitment

According to On3, Ladarian Clardy said his college decision revolves around a program that can develop him both on and off the field, preparing him for the next level. He is also seeking a "brotherhood" at his future program.

Ole Miss has remained a strong contender for Clardy's commitment. Last Saturday, he returned to Oxford to watch the Rebels' dominant 76-0 victory over the Furman Paladins. In an interview with Inside the Rebels, he shared his game-day experience:

"It made me feels 10 times better. I love the way Coach Lane Kiffin plays. He shows no mercy. He doesn't feel sad for the opposing team. That's what I like."

The 5-foot-11, 175-pound prospect first visited Kiffin's program in March and returned on June 21 before this game-day visit. All these trips have only boosted his affinity for the Rebels.

"I'm a competitor. The atmosphere is crazy. It all stood out to me. The coaching staff is great. The fans love me, the coaching staff loves me, everybody loves me."

On Sunday, Ladarian Clardy shared a brief clip of himself with Kiffin on X/Twitter, captioned:

"We back🦈🦈."

Ladarian Clardy began his senior season at Escambia High School in Pensacola, Florida, last month. According to his MaxPreps account, he has played one game so far, recording 35 receiving yards and one touchdown. He is ranked by On3 Industry Ranking as the No. 17 safety in the 2025 class, the No. 181 prospect nationally and the No. 29 prospect in Florida.