Heisman runner-up Diego Pavia is playing against Iowa in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
That alone makes Vanderbilt vs. Iowa must-watch TV when the teams kick off at 12 pm ET, Wednesday, Dec. 31 (ESPN).
Pavia will try to add to his historic season — during which he broke school records for passing yards (3,192 entering the bowl) and TDs (27) in a season. Pavia also will try to do more damage control following his viral reaction to not winning the Heisman Trophy. He’ll have to do so without his favorite target — tight end Eli Stowers, who opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft.
Here’s a detailed betting analysis of the ReliaQuest Bowl with odds, lines and point totals, plus our best bet.
Vanderbilt vs Iowa Odds and Betting Lines
(Odds courtesy of consensus data on Dec. 29, 2025.)
Vanderbilt opened as a 4-point favorite, but the consensus line has since moved to -5.5. Bet365 Sportsbook lists the Commodores as 5.5-point favorites. DraftKings Sportsbook has Vandy at -4.5.
Vanderbilt (10-2) is trying to win 11 games for the first time in program history.
SPORTSBOOK
Vanderbilt vs Iowa expert predictions and best bet
Vanderbilt’s overwhelming offensive advantage creates clear betting value, even without Stowers. Pavia’s ability to generate explosive with his arm and legs should prove too much for Iowa’s methodical approach to match.
While Iowa will attempt to shorten the game with its ground-and-pound philosophy, Vanderbilt’s offensive firepower is simply too explosive to contain for four quarters — or as long as Pavia plays.
Best Bet: Vanderbilt -5.5 (-110) at Bet365
The Hawkeyes’ 93.5% red zone efficiency demonstrates their ability to finish drives, but their path to the red zone will prove challenging against Vanderbilt’s dynamic offensive pace.
Both teams have protected the football effectively, with Iowa committing 11 turnovers to Vanderbilt’s 12. The turnover differential battle will be crucial, but Vanderbilt’s ability to create explosive plays through their passing game provides multiple scoring avenues that Iowa’s conservative approach cannot match.
Who has the edge? Commodores vs Hawkeyes
The offensive comparison reveals Vanderbilt’s clear advantages across multiple categories.
The passing game disparity is striking but hardly surprising given Pavia’s historic pace and Iowa’s historic QB play.
Despite different methods, both defenses have been equally effective at creating turnovers, with Vanderbilt recording 14 takeaways to Iowa’s 13. This balance suggests the game will be decided by offensive execution rather than defensive disruption.
Injury report and key opt-outs
Both teams enter the ReliaQuest Bowl with relatively clean injury reports, with Stowers being the most notable absence.
Key Injury Updates:
- Vanderbilt: Eli Stowers (TE) – Opted out for NFL preparation
- Iowa: TJ Hall (CB) – Questionable status, absent from initial depth chart
Managing Editor
A 30-time APSE award-winning editor with previous stints at the Miami Herald, The Indianapolis Star and News & Observer, Executive Editor Chris Wright oversees editorial operations for Saturday Down South.
