Vanderbilt Duo’s Historic All-SEC Nod Caps Stunning Season Turnaround

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia and tight end Eli Stowers were named First-Team All-SEC on Tuesday. The selections were voted on by the league’s 16 head coaches. This marks a major milestone for the Commodores football program.

It is the first time since 2013 that Vanderbilt has placed two players on the first team. The honors recognize the pair’s central role in engineering one of college football’s most remarkable single-season improvements.

Transfer Portal Gamble Pays Off With Record-Setting Performances

Both players transferred from New Mexico State before the 2024 season. Their impact was immediate and profound. Pavia compiled over 4,000 total yards and 36 touchdowns this season.

His stellar year made him a Heisman Trophy finalist. According to press release details, the offense he led averaged 39.4 points per game.

Eli Stowers was his primary target. The tight end led the team with 62 receptions for 769 yards. He was a consistent, game-changing weapon in the passing attack.

From Cellar Dweller to Bowl Bound in a Single Season

The duo’s arrival transformed Vanderbilt’s fortunes. The team posted a 2-10 record in 2023. This season, they finished the regular season with a 10-2 record.

Winning ten games is a first in Vanderbilt football history. The dramatic turnaround has energized the long-suffering fan base. It has also reshaped the national perception of the program.

Their final game together will be the ReliaQuest Bowl on December 31st. Vanderbilt will face the Iowa Hawkeyes in Tampa, Florida. The matchup offers a chance to punctuate this historic season with a postseason victory.

This historic All-SEC recognition for Pavia and Stowers validates a season that has rewritten Vanderbilt’s record books. Their legacy is now firmly cemented as the catalysts for a new era of Commodores football.

Thought you’d like to know

Who were the last Vanderbilt players named First-Team All-SEC?

The last time was in 2013. Wide receiver Jordan Matthews and safety Kenny Ladler received the honor that season.

What bowl game is Vanderbilt playing in?

Vanderbilt will play in the ReliaQuest Bowl. They face the Iowa Hawkeyes on New Year’s Eve in Tampa, Florida.

What stats did Diego Pavia put up this season?

Pavia amassed over 4,000 total yards of offense. He also accounted for 36 touchdowns during the regular season.

How did Eli Stowers perform this year?

Stowers led the team in receiving. He caught 62 passes for 769 yards and scored four touchdowns.

Why is this All-SEC selection so significant for Vanderbilt?

It highlights the program’s dramatic rise. Having two first-team players signifies Vanderbilt’s return to national relevance in the tough SEC conference.