Will Vanderbilt football have key players opt out of the ReliaQuest Bowl?

Vanderbilt is nearly at full strength, with most players opting to play. However, leading receiver Eli Stowers opted out to prepare for the NFL draft.

Which Vanderbilt players in the transfer portal will play in the ReliaQuest Bowl?

Several players, including linemen Cooper Starks and Misael Sandoval, and edge rusher Jailen Ruth, plan to play in the ReliaQuest Bowl despite entering the transfer portal.

Who is Vanderbilt playing in the ReliaQuest Bowl?

Vanderbilt, ranked 12th, will play against Iowa, who have a 8-4 record, in the ReliaQuest Bowl on December 31st.

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Vanderbilt Football: Full Strength for Bowl Game

31 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Vanderbilt nears full strength for the ReliaQuest Bowl.
Several players in the transfer portal will play.
Eli Stowers opted out to prepare for the NFL draft.

Vanderbilt Football: Full Strength for Bowl Game

Vanderbilt football is poised to play in the ReliaQuest Bowl with a nearly full roster, a notable contrast to many teams experiencing player opt-outs. Head coach Clark Lea has embraced a policy of permitting players committed to transferring to participate in the bowl game, allowing them to conclude their tenure with the team.

This approach means several players who have announced intentions to enter the transfer portal, including offensive linemen Cooper Starks and Misael Sandoval, and edge rusher Jailen Ruth, are expected to play. However, two backup quarterbacks, Drew Dickey and Jeremy St-Hilaire, will not participate due to prior injuries and transfer plans.

The team's leading receiver, tight end Eli Stowers, has opted out of the bowl game to focus on preparing for the NFL draft. The 12th-ranked Commodores are scheduled to face Iowa on December 31st at Raymond James Stadium.

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