Nikhil Jefferson is a defensive lineman for Vanderbilt who stands 6'1" and weighs 330 pounds. A native of Kankakee, Illinois, Jefferson attended Berkeley Prep, where he earned three-star ratings from recruiting services. As a senior, he registered 12 tackles for loss and four sacks while also recording eight quarterback hurries. He competed in track and field, capturing district championships in shot put and discus as a junior with a personal best exceeding 53 feet in shot put. Jefferson appeared in one game as a freshman in 2025, a victory over Georgia State.

Vanderbilt2024 — present