Wed Dec 31 18:00:00 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Vanderbilt to Field Near Full Strength Team in ReliaQuest Bowl

TAMPA, FL – Despite the growing trend of players opting out of bowl games, Vanderbilt University’s football team will enter the ReliaQuest Bowl against Iowa on December 31st with the vast majority of its roster intact. Head Coach Clark Lea has opted to allow players who intend to transfer to participate, giving them the chance to finish what they started with the Commodores.

The 12th-ranked Commodores (10-2) are set to face Iowa (8-4) at Raymond James Stadium at 11 a.m. CT, with the game broadcast on ESPN. While two backup quarterbacks, Drew Dickey and Jeremy St-Hilaire, will not participate due to existing injuries, and Duncan MacDonald who did not appear in any games this season will be entering the portal, their absence is not due to opting out.

Vanderbilt will be without leading receiver, tight end Stowers, who declared for the NFL draft and opted out to protect his draft prospects. However, reserve lineman Starks, who has appeared in nine games, Sandoval, who appeared in four games, and Ruth, who appeared in 12 games and recorded two tackles, have all indicated their intent to play in the bowl game despite plans to enter the transfer portal, according to a team spokesperson.

Coach Lea’s decision to allow transferring players to compete highlights a commitment to his players and the team’s overall performance in the bowl game. The Commodores look forward to a strong showing against Iowa as they close out the season.

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