Diego Pavia gives tongue-in-cheek answer on why Eli Stowers returned: ‘Our donors came through’
By Mark Kern
Published:
Diego Pavia took college football by storm last season when he helped lead Vanderbilt to its best season in some time during the 2024 season. The Commodores went 7-6 last year, highlighted by arguably the school’s biggest win as they knocked off Alabama. Vanderbilt ended the season the by knocking off Georgia Tech, 35-27, in the Birmingham Bowl to win its first bowl game since 2013.
Despite being offered very friendly NIL deals to leave Vanderbilt, Pavia decided to stay with coach Clark Lea and try and have even more success this upcoming season. He isn’t the only guy coming back, as star tight end Eli Stowers is also coming back.
While talking to the media at SEC Media Days, Pavia was asked about what made Stowers return. He gave an answer that caught the attention of the reporters.
“That means we have enough money to keep him here,” Pavia told reporters. “Our donors came through.”
He quickly after said afterwards that he was just joking, but in today’s college football world, there could definitely be some truth to it.
Regardless, Pavia is sure to be excited to have his tight end back. Last season, Stowers finished with 49 catches for 638 yards and 5 touchdowns. That gives Pavia his top 2 targets from 2024 back, as sophomore wide receiver Junior Sherill will also be back.
Expectations at Vanderbilt are as high as they have been in a long time, and having his security blanket at tight end back is going to be a huge plus as Pavia and the Commodores try to build off last season.
