Thu Jan 01 18:30:00 UTC 2026: Iowa Upsets Vanderbilt in ReliaQuest Bowl Thriller

TAMPA, Fla. – Iowa defeated No. 13 Vanderbilt 34-27 in a hard-fought ReliaQuest Bowl matchup on Wednesday, powered by a stellar performance from quarterback Mark Gronowski. Gronowski threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, leading the Hawkeyes to a decisive victory.

Iowa (9-4) jumped out to an early 21-3 lead, with Gronowski connecting with Reece Vander Zee and DJ Vonnahme for touchdown passes of 10 and 21 yards, respectively. However, Vanderbilt (10-3), fueled by Heisman Trophy runner-up Diego Pavia, mounted a comeback. Pavia connected with Tre Richardson for a 75-yard touchdown and Joseph McVay for a 16-yard score, bringing the Commodores within seven points.

The fourth quarter saw both teams trading scores, with Gronowski adding a rushing touchdown and Pavia responding with an 11-yard TD run. A 44-yard field goal from Iowa’s Drew Stevens extended the Hawkeyes’ lead, which Vanderbilt narrowed with a field goal of their own, but Iowa ultimately sealed the win with a late-game run by Xavier Williams.

Pavia finished with 347 passing yards, while Vonnahme led Iowa with 146 receiving yards. Kamari Moulton added 95 rushing yards and a touchdown for the Hawkeyes.

The win marks Iowa’s fourth ReliaQuest Bowl (formerly Outback Bowl) victory under coach Kirk Ferentz and their 11th season with at least nine wins under his leadership. Despite the loss, Vanderbilt set a school record with 10 wins this season.

Looking Ahead:

Iowa will host Northern Illinois to open the 2024 season on Sept. 5. Vanderbilt will face Austin Peay on the same day.

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