Iowa Hawkeyes are expected to be as close to full strength as they have been throughout the season when they play in the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa. In a time when last-minute roster surprises are common during bowl season, Kirk Ferentz’s team has not yet had to deal with any opt-outs. On the other hand, when Vanderbilt plays Iowa, it looks like it will be without one of its most crucial offensive players.
Vanderbilt All-America tight end Eli Stowers is anticipated to choose not to participate in the ReliaQuest Bowl, according to a report from CBS Sports’ Brandon Marcello. The Commodores’ top receiving threat would be removed from an offense that is already up against a formidable defense if that decision is made official. This season, Stowers has been Vanderbilt’s most dependable pass catcher and a key component of its offensive identity, so his possible absence is a big storyline going into the game.
Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback Diego Pavia, who has garnered national attention for his play this season, leads Vanderbilt into the bowl game. Losing Stowers would be a devastating blow, even with Pavia at center. Especially in the middle of the field, the tight end has continuously been a matchup nightmare and a safety valve. That kind of reliable target is hard to replace against an Iowa defense that is renowned for its physicality and discipline.
It has not been an easy journey for Stowers to become an All-American. He has participated in a variety of programs and roles during his college career, a convoluted path that demonstrates his adaptability and tenacity. He arrived at Texas A&M in 2021 as a tight end with great potential. His role changed during his two seasons with the Aggies, and he even briefly switched to quarterback an uncommon move that both demonstrated his athletic prowess and highlighted the uncertainty surrounding his position.
Stowers transferred to New Mexico State for the 2023 campaign after leaving Texas A&M. He kept switching between positions there, playing tight end and quarterback. Even though the experience improved his football IQ and flexibility, he still felt as though his full potential had not been realized. When he moved to Vanderbilt before the 2024 season, that was altered.
Stowers at last found a place to call home and a well-defined role at Vanderbilt, and the results showed up right away. He developed into one of the nation’s most productive tight ends and became a key component of the Commodores’ passing attack. With 62 receptions for 769 yards and four touchdowns this season, he became the team’s top receiver and was named an All-America. Stowers was frequently the player opponents had to game-plan around first for an offense trying to stretch the field and keep defenses honest.
In addition to being remarkable on their own, those single-season figures complement his strong body of work throughout his career. With 146 receptions for 1,773 yards and 11 touchdowns, Stowers concludes his time in college. That level of output is evidence of his talent and perseverance as a player who changed positions and programs several times. Vanderbilt will have to fill a significant void if Stowers does miss the bowl game. That development would undoubtedly be welcomed by Iowa’s defense, which has established a reputation for limiting explosive plays and making offenses wait. In the past, tight ends have been crucial against Iowa, frequently creating mismatches, and the Hawkeyes gain an even greater advantage when an All-American is eliminated.
As Iowa prepares to go to Tampa, the news adds to their feeling of calm certainty. With opt-outs and late roster changes, bowl games can be unexpected, but having a full roster is important. Stowers’ anticipated choice for Vanderbilt represents the current state of collegiate football, where players balance team objectives with their long-term prospects. In any case, people would notice his absence. Vanderbilt’s season has been greatly impacted by Eli Stowers’ travel, output, and influence, and the ReliaQuest Bowl may end up being remembered more for those who weren’t on the field than for those who were.
