Key Highlights
- Vanderbilt football has its first multiple first-team All-SEC selections in over a decade.
- Eli Stowers and Diego Pavia both earn first-team honors.
- This marks the second consecutive year that Stowers has been voted first-team all-league.
- Pavia is also a Heisman Trophy finalist, the 2025 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award® winner, and an SEC Offensive Player of the Week three times this season.
Vanderbilt Football’s Historic Milestone: Dual First-Team All-SEC Selections
Nashville, Tenn. – Vanderbilt University football achieved a historic milestone on Tuesday when it was announced that both Eli Stowers and Diego Pavia were named to the first-team All-SEC roster for the 2025 season. This marks the first time in over a decade that the Commodores have had multiple first-team selections.
Stowers: A Consistent Force on the Field
Eli Stowers, who is a native of Denton, Texas, has been named to the All-SEC team for the second consecutive year. He was selected as the John Mackey Award Tight End of the Week after catching seven passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns in Vanderbilt’s matchup with nationally-ranked Texas. Stowers also received Honorable Mention recognition from the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award, and he was among the semifinalists for the same award.
Pavia: A Quarterbacking Phenomenon
Diego Pavia, a graduate quarterback from Albuquerque, New Mexico, has had an outstanding season. He was named a Heisman Trophy finalist on Monday night and has already been awarded the 2025 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award®. Pavia was selected as the SEC Offensive Player of the Week three times during the fall season, earning multiple national player of the week honors from Walter Camp and the Associated Press.
On the season, Pavia has recorded 4,018 yards of total offense, accounting for 36 touchdowns.
He threw for 3,192 yards and ran for an additional 826 yards. His performance was exceptional, leading the SEC with a 171.5 pass efficiency rating, 27 touchdown passes, and a 71.2 completion percentage.
Commodores’ Performance: A Season to Remember
The achievements of Stowers and Pavia have significantly contributed to Vanderbilt’s impressive season record of 10-2. The team has secured a place among the top 15 in the College Football Playoff, Associated Press, and ACFA coaches’ rankings. As a result, they will face Iowa in the ReliaQuest Bowl on December 31 at 11:00 AM CT in Tampa, Florida.
The match-up is set to air live on ESPN, marking an exciting finale for the season that has been filled with standout performances by both Stowers and Pavia. Their recognition as All-SEC selections is a testament to their hard work and dedication to the sport of football at Vanderbilt University.
