Stowers Spurns NFL for One More Ride with the ‘Dores
In a huge development for Vanderbilt football, star tight end Eli Stowers told ESPN that he plans to return to the Commodores for the 2025 season. The first-team All-SEC selection seriously contemplated making the leap to the NFL, where he was projected as a mid-round pick. But ultimately, Stowers decided to run it back in Nashville for one more year.
“We’re building something special at Vanderbilt,” Stowers said. “I want to be a part of a team that can change the culture and reputation of this program and make more history for years to come.”
Stowers Shines in Breakout 2024 Season
The 6-foot-4, 250-pound tight end enjoyed a monster 2024 campaign, hauling in 49 catches for 638 yards and five touchdowns. He emerged as quarterback Diego Pavia’s go-to target and security blanket over the middle of the field.
Stowers’ signature performance came in Vandy’s epic upset over then-No. 1 Alabama on October 5th. He exploded for a season-high 133 receiving yards as the Commodores shocked the college football world.
The Pavia-to-Stowers Connection Runs It Back
Stowers won’t be the only key offensive piece returning to Vandy in 2025. His close friend and quarterback Diego Pavia will also be back to sling passes to the hulking tight end.
Pavia, the 2024 SEC Newcomer of the Year, won a landmark ruling to gain an extra year of eligibility by challenging the NCAA’s junior college transfer rules. Now, the Pavia-to-Stowers connection that terrorized SEC defenses in 2024 will be back for an encore.
“Having Diego back is huge,” Stowers said. “Our chemistry is special. We just get each other out there. I can’t wait to see what we can do with another year together.”
Chasing Championships and Draft Stock Dreams
Stowers is hungry to lead Vanderbilt to heights the program hasn’t experienced in nearly a century. The Commodores haven’t won an SEC title since 1923, but Stowers believes the 2025 squad has the pieces to contend.
Beyond chasing team glory, Stowers has his sights set on boosting his individual draft stock. He wants to develop into “the best version of myself” and solidify his place as one of the top tight end prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.
New NIL Resources Helping Vandy Retain Talent
In recent seasons, Vanderbilt struggled to hold onto its top talent, losing difference-makers to Power Five poachers or the NFL. But a revamped NIL approach and fresh resources are now allowing the Commodores to incentivize stars like Stowers to stay in school.
Coupled with the momentum generated by a 7-6 record and the school’s first bowl victory since 2013, Vandy’s NIL enhancements have the program positioned to take a huge step forward in 2025 and beyond.
The Bottom Line
Make no mistake: Getting Eli Stowers back for one more season is massive for Vanderbilt. He’s the kind of transcendent talent who can take the Commodores from SEC also-ran to a conference contender.
With Pavia distributing the ball and Stowers creating mismatches all over the field, Vandy’s offense could be a nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators. Don’t be surprised if Stowers plays his way into the first-round NFL Draft conversation with a spectacular super senior season.
For a program that’s been an SEC doormat for decades, Stowers’ return speaks volumes. It’s tangible proof that head coach Clark Lea’s vision is coming to fruition. Vanderbilt football is rising, and Eli Stowers will be at the center of the Commodores’ bid to rewrite the history books in 2025.
