Vanderbilt Football Stars Pavia and Stowers Earn All-SEC Honors

Two standout players from the Vanderbilt football team, quarterback Diego Pavia and tight end Eli Stowers, have received prestigious All-SEC honors, marking a significant achievement for the program. Announced on Tuesday, their selections to the first-team All-SEC were determined by a vote from the 16 SEC coaches, highlighting their exceptional performances throughout the season. This recognition is particularly noteworthy as it is the first time since 2013 that Vanderbilt has had two players earn first-team All-SEC honors in the same season.

In 2013, former players Jordan Matthews and Kenny Ladler also received first-team accolades, underscoring the rarity of such achievements for the Vanderbilt football program. Both Pavia and Stowers have played vital roles in leading one of the nation’s top offenses, which has averaged an impressive 39.4 points per game this season.

Pavia’s contributions have been especially significant. He has amassed over 4,000 total yards and thrown for 36 touchdowns, solidifying his place as a key player this year. His outstanding performance earned him a spot as a finalist for the prestigious Heisman Trophy, and he will attend the awards ceremony in New York City alongside three other finalists to learn the outcome.

Stowers has also shone this season, accumulating 769 receiving yards on 62 receptions with four touchdowns. This marks his second consecutive season leading the team in both receiving yards and receptions, showcasing his consistent performance and reliability as a key target for Pavia.

The success of Pavia and Stowers has played a crucial role in revitalizing the Vanderbilt football program. After transferring from New Mexico State before the 2024 season, they have helped turn around a program that recorded a disappointing 2-10 record in 2023. This season, Vanderbilt has achieved a remarkable 10-2 record, marking the first time in the school’s history that the football team has won ten games in a single season.

As the season comes to a close, Pavia and Stowers will have one final opportunity to compete together in the upcoming ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa, Florida, on December 31, 2024, where they will face off against Iowa. This matchup presents a chance for both players to further solidify their legacies within the Vanderbilt football program.

In addition to the football team’s achievements, Vanderbilt’s women’s tennis program has announced its spring schedule, set to commence on January 9, 2025, with hidden dual matches in Knoxville. The home opener will take place against Western Kentucky and Belmont on January 17, followed by the conference schedule beginning on February 22 with a home match against Missouri. As the athletic season progresses, the excitement surrounding Vanderbilt sports continues to build.