The Vanderbilt Commodores had a memorable 2024 season, most notably known by their shocking upset of the then-undefeated Alabama Crimson Tide in Week 6. Vanderbilt finished the regular season with a 6-6 record, capping off with a victory over Georgia Tech in the Birmingham Bowl to finish 7-5, five more wins than last season. For the first time since 2013, the Commodores won a bowl game and finished with their best record.
A huge reason why Vanderbilt had a remarkable turnaround was the efficiency of the quarterback position led by Diego Pavia. The Commodores’ quarterback room struggled last season with turning the ball over, combining for 12 interceptions. Pavia was very efficient this season, cutting the interception total by a third and only throwing four. The good news is that the NCAA granted their talented quarterback an extra year of eligibility, meaning he will lead the team in 2025.
The Vanderbilt Commodores leading receiver reveals his plans for 2025
According to Pete Thamel of ESPN, Commodores’ elite leading receiver, tight end Eli Stowers, announced he will forego the 2025 NFL Draft and return to Nashville for the 2025 season. As Thamel points out, Stowers considered declaring for the draft and was viewed as a mid-round pick. He wants to continue developing and believes the program has built something special.
First-team All-SEC tight end Eli Stowers tells ESPN that he plans to return to Vanderbilt for the 2025 season. Stowers said he thought “a lot” about the NFL, as he was projected as a mid-round pick. But he stayed because “we’re building something special” at Vanderbilt. pic.twitter.com/aMi57LCMbX
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 9, 2025
Stowers started his college football career as a quarterback for the Texas A&M Aggies but entered the transfer portal after two seasons. Stowers committed to the New Mexico State Aggies and converted to tight end for the 2023 season, joining Diego Pavia. He had a successful 2023 campaign with the Aggies, catching 35 passes for 366 yards and two touchdowns, but hit the portal after the conclusion of the season.
The Commodores All-SEC First Team TE had a great season in his second year at a new position
Eli Stowers reunited with Diego Pavia and transferred to Vanderbilt for the 2024 season. Stowers had an incredible first season in Nashville and first season in the SEC, catching 49 passes for 638 yards and five touchdowns, leading the team in receptions, yards, touchdowns, and yards per game. His efforts earned him an All-SEC First Team honors.
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