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Vanderbilt will head to the ReliaQuest Bowl without its breakout tight end, who is sitting out to focus on the 2026 NFL Draft. The move shifts attention to the Commodores’ depth and leaves Iowa preparing to face a Vanderbilt offense missing its primary receiving threat.
Why Eli Stowers is skipping the bowl to train for the NFL
Eli Stowers has chosen to forgo the ReliaQuest Bowl to prep for the next level. The redshirt senior wrapped a standout season and is turning his attention to pre-draft work. Sources close to the program say his decision follows conversations with coaches and draft advisers about minimizing injury risk and maximizing draft preparation.
Stowers arrives to draft season as the Mackey Award winner, and that hardware bolsters his profile as one of the country’s top tight ends in the class.
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What Stowers accomplished at Vanderbilt this year
Stowers’ path to the Mackey Award was built on production and versatility. He evolved from a multi-role player into a primary pass-catcher over his final two seasons.
- Seasons at Vanderbilt: two strong campaigns after moving into a featured receiving role.
- Cumulative production in Vandy uniforms: 111 catches, 1,407 yards, nine touchdowns.
- 2025-26 single-season totals: 62 receptions, 769 yards, four touchdowns.
- Accolades: 2025 Mackey Award winner and first-team All-SEC honors.
How Vanderbilt will adapt its game plan for the ReliaQuest Bowl
Without Stowers, Vanderbilt must redistribute targets and adjust schematics. The coaching staff has a clear set of options and will likely emphasize a collective receiving approach.
- Cole Spence projects as the primary tight end role this week.
- Emmanuel Adebi could see increased snaps in two-tight sets.
- True freshman Gabe Fields may be given situational chances to stretch the field.
Coaches will also explore more motion, diverse route concepts, and quicker passing to offset the loss of a major red-zone and intermediate threat. Expect an emphasis on multiple-receiver sets and increased involvement from the running backs.
How NFL evaluators view Stowers ahead of the 2026 Draft
NFL scouts rank Stowers as a draftable tight end with intriguing traits. His award and season numbers helped move him into early-round discussions.
Core traits scouts highlight
- Pass-catching ability: Reliable hands and consistent separation over the middle.
- Route versatility: Capable of working seams, crossing patterns, and short-to-intermediate zones.
- Yard-after-catch potential: Shows the burst to gain extra yards after contact.
Questions that could affect his draft stock
- Blocking consistency in pro-style schemes.
- Top-end athleticism compared with the draft’s elite tight ends.
- How he performs in pre-draft testing and team interviews.
Immediate effects on the ReliaQuest Bowl matchup
Iowa prepares to face a Commodores attack without its top tight end. That absence changes defensive focus and game tempo.
- Iowa’s defense can allocate fewer resources to covering Stowers.
- Vanderbilt must lean on quick reads and diverse target distribution.
- Special teams and situational play-calling will gain even more importance.
Vanderbilt’s coaches insist the team is ready to compete, but the offensive blueprint will look different without their primary tight end.
