NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt football is making headlines this season as it celebrates a historic achievement with the announcement of multiple first-team All-SEC selections. For the first time in over ten years, the Commodores have two players — quarterback Diego Pavia and tight end Eli Stowers — honored by the league’s 16 head coaches.
The last occurrence of Vanderbilt having two first-team selections in a single season dates back to 2013, with Kenny Ladler and Jordan Matthews being recognized at that time. Furthermore, it marks the first instance since 2005 in which several offensive players have received this accolade, highlighting a significant moment in the program’s history.
Eli Stowers, who has earned this distinction for the second consecutive year, becomes the first Commodore to achieve back-to-back first-team honors since linebacker Zach Cunningham did so in 2015 and 2016. His consistent performance has also garnered him multiple accolades this season.
On Monday night, Pavia was announced as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, underscoring his impressive season. The graduate quarterback from Albuquerque, New Mexico, has already been celebrated as the 2025 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award recipient. Throughout the current campaign, he has demonstrated exceptional skill, receiving SEC Offensive Player of the Week honors three times and earning national player of the week recognitions from both Walter Camp and the Associated Press.
Pavia has amassed a staggering 4,018 total offensive yards and has accounted for 36 touchdowns, consisting of 3,192 passing yards and 826 rushing yards. He leads the SEC with a remarkable 171.5 pass efficiency rating, 27 touchdown passes, and an impressive 71.2 completion percentage, making him a standout in the league.
Meanwhile, Stowers has also secured multiple nominations, being a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy and the John Mackey Award, while also earning semifinalist status for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award and the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award. The resident of Denton, Texas, has made his mark with 62 receptions for 769 yards and four touchdowns this season, leading both the Commodores and the nation’s tight ends in receptions.
His notable performances include being recognized as the John Mackey Award Tight End of the Week after an extraordinary outing against nationally-ranked Texas, where he caught seven passes for a career-high 146 yards and two touchdowns. Additionally, he received honorable mentions for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award following his impressive 12-reception, 122-yard game against Auburn.
Together, Stowers and Pavia have propelled Vanderbilt to a remarkable 10-2 record. The team currently sits among the top 15 in the College Football Playoff, Associated Press, and ACFA coaches’ rankings. Their successful season has also earned them a spot in the upcoming ReliaQuest Bowl, where they will face off against Iowa in Tampa, Florida. The much-anticipated match will be broadcast live on ESPN at 11 a.m. CT on December 31.
