Vanderbilt Football star and tight end Eli Stowers will return to the Commodores’ program in 2025, he told ESPN’s Pete Thamel this morning.
The Denton, Texas, native started his career as a quarterback at Texas A&M, rated as one of the top recruits in the Lone Star State. After two seasons in College Station, he transferred to New Mexico State but lost the starting quarterback battle to Diego Pavia. He transitioned to tight end before the season started and became one of the Aggies’ best offensive threats. He took his talents to Nashville after that season, along with Pavia, Tim Beck, Jerry Kill and others.
Stowers developed into a superstar for the Black and Gold during 2024 — his first full season playing tight end. He amassed 49 catches for 638 yards and five touchdowns, pacing Vanderbilt pass-catchers in all three categories. He caught 6 passes for 113 yards in the Commodores’ historical 40-35 upset over former No. 1 Alabama in Week Six. He capped his season off with a bang in the Birmingham Bowl, pulling down 4 catches for 55 yards and a score.
Stowers, fresh off a First-Team All-SEC selection, had NFL interest but ultimately decided to return to Vanderbilt in an effort to build something special on West End.
“I figured it would be best not only for my development into being the best version of myself and opportunities to spread the gospel using that platform,” Stowers told Thamel. “But also to be a part of a Vandy team that can change the culture and reputation of the program and make more history for years to come.”
Stowers projects as one of the best returning tight ends in the conference and will once again play a major role in the Commodores’ offense in 2025.
