When it comes to marquee matchups outside the College Football Playoff, few bowl games in 2025 offer the kind of intrigue we’re getting in the ReliaQuest Bowl. No.
14 Vanderbilt and No. 23 Iowa square off in Tampa on New Year’s Eve, and it’s one of only three bowl games this postseason featuring two top-25 teams.
This isn’t just a clash of rankings-it’s a collision of styles, stars, and stakes, with some of the best talent in the country taking the field.
Quarterback Duel: Pavia vs. Gronowski
At the heart of this game are two quarterbacks who’ve made a habit of turning defenses inside out-just in very different ways.
Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia has been electric all season, finishing second in Heisman voting and leading the SEC in multiple passing categories. He’s not just a pocket passer-he’s a dual-threat nightmare who can stretch the field and break contain with ease. His ability to extend plays and force defensive coordinators to account for every inch of grass has made him one of the most dangerous weapons in the country.
On the other side, Iowa’s Mark Gronowski has carved out his own legacy in Iowa City as the most prolific running quarterback in Hawkeye history. With 491 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, he’s been the engine of Iowa’s offense, using his legs to keep drives alive and defenses honest. He’s not flashy, but he’s relentless-and that makes him a serious problem for any defense.
This isn’t just a quarterback battle-it’s a chess match between two field generals who know how to take over a game.
Coaching Milestones on the Line
There’s also plenty at stake on the sidelines. With a win, Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz would notch his 11th bowl victory, setting a new Big Ten record and surpassing Joe Paterno. That’s not just a number-it’s a testament to Ferentz’s longevity and consistency in a conference that doesn’t hand out wins easily.
Across the field, Clark Lea is building something real at Vanderbilt. A win would make him the first Commodores coach since James Franklin to win back-to-back bowl games, and only the second in program history to collect multiple postseason victories. In a conference as cutthroat as the SEC, that kind of progress matters.
Key Storylines to Watch
Eli Stowers Sits Out
Vanderbilt will be without one of its biggest playmakers in tight end Eli Stowers.
The consensus All-American and Mackey Award winner is opting out to prepare for the NFL Draft. With 62 catches for 769 yards this season, his absence will be felt-not just in the passing game, but in leadership and red zone production.
Stowers also took home the Campbell Trophy, often called the “Academic Heisman,” capping off a remarkable college career.
Iowa at Full Strength
While Vanderbilt will be down a key weapon, Iowa enters the game with a full deck.
That includes Rimington Trophy winner Logan Jones anchoring the offensive line, which itself earned national recognition with the Joe Moore Award. That unit will be critical in keeping Gronowski upright and opening running lanes against a fast, aggressive Vanderbilt front.
Strength vs. Strength
This game sets up as a classic “unstoppable force meets immovable object” scenario. Iowa’s defense has been elite all season, ranking seventh nationally in scoring, total yardage, and pass defense.
They’re disciplined, physical, and rarely beat themselves.
Vanderbilt, meanwhile, brings the firepower. The Commodores own the No. 8 scoring offense in the nation and rank top-13 in both total and passing yardage. Pavia leads a unit that can light up the scoreboard in a hurry, and they’ve been peaking at the right time.
When Vanderbilt has the ball, something’s got to give.
How to Watch
- Date: Wednesday, Dec. 31
- Time: 12 p.m. ET
- Location: Raymond James Stadium - Tampa, Florida
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: Fubo (Free trial available)
Prediction: Expect Fireworks
Iowa hasn’t lost a game by more than five points all season, so the 4.5-point spread feels like something they can manage. But if you’re looking for the smarter play, the total might be where the real value is.
Vanderbilt has hit the over in nine of its 12 regular-season games, and they’ve scored exactly 45 points in each of their last three. That’s not a fluke-it’s a trend. And while Iowa’s defense gets most of the headlines, their offense has quietly held up its end, especially when Gronowski is in rhythm.
Add in the potential for a special teams splash play-watch out for Iowa’s Kaden Wetjen-and this game has all the ingredients to go over the 47.5-point total.
Pick: Over 47.5
This one has the makings of a New Year’s Eve classic-two top-tier teams, two dynamic quarterbacks, and a whole lot on the line. Buckle up.