The Vanderbilt Commodores enjoyed an unforgettable 2024 season, highlighted by their stunning upset of the previously undefeated Alabama Crimson Tide in Week 6. They concluded the regular season with a 6-6 record and celebrated a triumph over Georgia Tech in the Birmingham Bowl, finishing at 7-5—five more wins than the previous year. This marked the Commodores’ first bowl victory since 2013 and their best overall record.
A key factor in Vanderbilt’s impressive turnaround was the performance of their quarterback, Diego Pavia. Last season, the quarterback position struggled with turnovers, racking up a total of 12 interceptions. This year, Pavia significantly improved the team’s efficiency, reducing the interceptions to just four. Additionally, the NCAA has granted him an extra year of eligibility, allowing him to return and lead the team in 2025.
The Vanderbilt Commodores leading receiver reveals his plans for 2025
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Vanderbilt’s standout tight end, Eli Stowers, has decided to skip the 2025 NFL Draft and return to Nashville for the next season. Thamel notes that Stowers contemplated declaring for the draft and was seen as a mid-round prospect, but he wishes to continue his development, believing that something special is being built at the program.
First-team All-SEC tight end Eli Stowers expressed to ESPN his intention to return to Vanderbilt for the 2025 season. He mentioned he had given considerable thought to the NFL, given that he was projected as a mid-round pick, but ultimately chose to stay because “we’re building something special” at Vanderbilt.
Stowers began his college football journey as a quarterback with the Texas A&M Aggies but transferred after two seasons. He then joined the New Mexico State Aggies, where he switched to tight end for the 2023 season, teaming up with Diego Pavia. Stowers had a strong 2023 season, recording 35 receptions for 366 yards and two touchdowns, but entered the transfer portal after the season concluded.
The Commodores All-SEC First Team TE had a great season in his second year at a new position
Eli Stowers joined Diego Pavia again and transferred to Vanderbilt for the 2024 season. Stowers had an outstanding inaugural season in Nashville and his first year in the SEC, totaling 49 receptions for 638 yards and five touchdowns. He led the team in receptions, yards, touchdowns, and yards per game, earning him First Team All-SEC honors for his performance.
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