Eli Stowers explains decision to opt out of bowl game vs. Iowa
By David Wasson
Published:
Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers previously announced plans to skip the Commodores’ ReliaQuest Bowl appearance against Iowa on New Year’s Eve (Noon ET, ESPN).
On Sunday, he explained the rationale behind that decision.
“I’ve already started prepping for the NFL Combine so I won’t play, but this team will always hold a special place in my heart, and it was important for me to be here with my guys to support them in this game,” Stowers said to ESPN.
Stowers won the Mackey Award and Campbell Trophy after hauling in 62 receptions for 769 yards and four TDs in 2025. That was also good for first-team All-SEC honors for the second straight season and a unanimous All-American selection.
Stowers’ college career began at Texas A&M, as he signed with the Aggies in 2021 as a four-star recruit. He played just five games across two seasons in College Station and entered the transfer portal, ending up at New Mexico State with Diego Pavia – and notched 35 catches for 366 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for two more scores.
After Stowers joined Pavia again when the pair transferred to Vanderbilt ahead of the 2024 season. That season, Stowers totaled 638 yards and five touchdowns and was named first-team All-SEC.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. He also hosts Gulfshore Sports with David Wasson, weekdays from 3-5 pm across Southwest Florida and on FoxSportsFM.com. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
