As Iowa gears up for its New Year’s Eve showdown in the ReliaQuest Bowl, the Hawkeyes may be catching a break - and it’s a big one.
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia has been a nightmare for defenses all season long, and Iowa knows exactly what kind of challenge it’s up against. Pavia, the Heisman runner-up, is the kind of dual-threat quarterback that keeps defensive coordinators up at night.
He threw for over 3,100 yards and 27 touchdowns this season, while also rushing for 826 yards and nine more scores. That’s a full plate for any defense, let alone one preparing for a bowl game against one of the most dynamic signal-callers in the country.
But Iowa's job might have just gotten a little easier.
According to reports, Vanderbilt All-American tight end Eli Stowers is expected to opt out of the ReliaQuest Bowl to prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft. And make no mistake - that’s a massive blow to the Commodores' offense.
Stowers wasn’t just another weapon in Vanderbilt’s arsenal; he was the guy Pavia leaned on in big moments. With 62 catches for 769 yards and four touchdowns, Stowers was not only the team’s most consistent pass-catcher, but also the winner of the John Mackey Award, given annually to the top tight end in college football. His presence in the passing game was a safety valve for Pavia, especially when plays broke down - and they often did, thanks to Pavia’s improvisational style.
But Stowers’ impact goes beyond the stat sheet. He’s also a key piece in Vanderbilt’s run game, setting the edge and creating space for Pavia and the Commodores’ backs to operate. Without him, Vanderbilt loses a critical blocker and one of its most versatile offensive threats.
For Iowa’s defense, this changes the equation. Instead of having to account for a top-tier tight end who can stretch the field and pancake defenders in the run game, the Hawkeyes can shift more of their focus toward containing Pavia. That’s no small task, but it becomes a bit more manageable without Stowers lining up across from them.
Kirk Ferentz and his staff have built their reputation on disciplined, assignment-sound defense. And in a game where every edge matters, the absence of a player like Stowers could be the kind of break Iowa needs to tilt the matchup in their favor.
Of course, Pavia is still a handful. He’s proven all year that he can make plays with or without a clean pocket, and he’s capable of turning broken plays into highlight-reel moments.
But taking away his most reliable target? That’s a hit Vanderbilt can’t ignore - and one Iowa will look to capitalize on.
As bowl prep continues, all eyes will be on how the Hawkeyes scheme to slow down Pavia. Without Stowers in the mix, they might just have one less problem to solve.