Watch Vanderbilt football vs Iowa Hawkeyes today in the ReliaQuest Bowl at 11 a.m. CT on ESPN from Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium. The No. 14 Commodores (10-2) face No. 23 Iowa (8-4) with Vanderbilt eyeing their first 11-win season in program history. Star quarterback Diego Pavia leads the Commodores against transfer Mark Gronowski, who’s playing his first and final college game for Iowa.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Vanderbilt pursuing first 10-win season in school history with a bowl victory
- Diego Pavia finished second in Heisman voting with 3,192 passing yards and 36 total touchdowns this season
- Iowa needs one more win to reach 9 victories and finish .500 or better in season finale
- Kickoff at 11 a.m. CT on ESPN at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida
Vanderbilt Chasing History Against Ranked Iowa Squad
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Vanderbilt’s 10-2 record marked a dramatic turnaround under head coach Clark Lea. The Commodores defeated Tennessee 45-24 to cap the regular season, securing their first win over the Volunteers since 2018.
The Commodores have never previously achieved 11 wins in a single season. An upset victory over Iowa would cement Vanderbilt’s elite 2025 campaign.
Diego Pavia’s Final Performance Looms Large
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Diego Pavia, the senior quarterback from Albuquerque, New Mexico, put up remarkable statistics this season. He completed 242 of 340 passes for 3,192 yards, threw 27 touchdowns against just 8 interceptions, and added 152 rushing attempts for 826 yards on the ground.
Pavia finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up, showcasing his dynamic play style. The versatile signal-caller led all Power Four teams in total offense. Iowa’s defense must contain both his arm talent and dangerous rushing ability.
Iowa Seeks Ninth Victory with Transfer QB
Mark Gronowski, a graduate transfer from South Dakota State, arrived at Iowa just months before this bowl game. The 24-year-old chose to play his final college season with the Hawkeyes instead of pursuing NFL opportunities.
Gronowski became Iowa’s starting quarterback this season. He’ll lead an Iowa offense looking to reach nine wins and improve their final season record against a Vanderbilt defense that’s kept them competitive in SEC play.
| Team Stat | Vanderbilt | Iowa |
| Regular Season Record | 10-2 (6-2 SEC) | 8-4 (6-3 Big Ten) |
| AP Poll Ranking | No. 14 | No. 23 |
| Key Quarterback | Diego Pavia (Senior) | Mark Gronowski (Transfer) |
| Home/Away Record | 7-0 at home, 3-2 away | 5-2 home, 3-2 away |
Betting Odds and What’s at Stake for Each Team
Vanderbilt opened as a 5.5-point favorite with -210 moneyline odds. The Commodores have momentum after crushing Tennessee while Iowa struggled through inconsistency this season.
An Iowa victory (+175 moneyline) would provide the Hawkeyes with that crucial ninth win and help save what became a disappointing bowl season. Vanderbilt needs just one more victory to make history.
Will Vanderbilt’s First 11-Win Season Come Against Iowa Today?
Vanderbilt football vs Iowa Hawkeyes tips off Wednesday at high noon, with ESPN broadcasting live from Raymond James Stadium. The Commodores bring superior ranking, a home-state advantage in the SEC, and a hungry team seeking historic validation.
Yet Iowa stands as a ranked opponent with defensive experience. The Hawkeyes defense must pressure Pavia early and limit his mobility. Which team will claim the January victory?
Sources
- ESPN – Live game coverage and team statistics
- The Tennessean – Diego Pavia season performance and ReliaQuest Bowl details
- USA Today Hawkeyes Wire – Iowa football season record and bowl game information
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.