Vanderbilt vs. Iowa Opt-Outs Announced for Reliaquest Bowl
In the lead-up to the ReliaQuest Bowl, Vanderbilt football is set to compete at near full strength. The Commodores are gearing up to take on Iowa on December 31 at Raymond James Stadium, following a successful season that saw them finish ranked 12th with a 10-2 record.
Vanderbilt vs. Iowa: Key Matchup Details
The upcoming ReliaQuest Bowl will be significant for both teams. Iowa, with an 8-4 record, brings solid competition to the field. Fans can tune in to the game, which is scheduled to kick off at 11 a.m. CT on ESPN.
Player Opt-Outs and Transfers
Unlike many programs, Vanderbilt has experienced minimal player opt-outs for this bowl game. Head coach Clark Lea is allowing several players who announced their transfer intentions to participate in the bowl. This decision aims to honor their commitment to the team.
Players Who Have Opted Out
- Eli Stowers: The tight end declared for the NFL draft and opted out of the bowl. He led the team with 62 receptions, accumulating 769 yards and four touchdowns this season.
Players Transferring but Playing in the Bowl
- Cooper Starks: An offensive lineman, Starks has played in nine games this season and will participate in the bowl despite announcing his transfer.
- Misael Sandoval: Also an offensive lineman, Sandoval is set to play after appearing in four games this year.
- Jailen Ruth: The edge rusher recorded two tackles across 12 games this season and will also take the field in the bowl.
Injury Updates
Two backup quarterbacks for Vanderbilt, Drew Dickey and Jeremy St-Hilaire, announced their transfer intentions but have also not played due to injuries sustained earlier in the season. Their situation has been clarified as neither of them would have participated in the bowl game regardless of their transfer status. Additionally, Duncan MacDonald, who is entering the portal, did not appear on the team’s roster this season.
Vanderbilt’s decision to allow transferring players to compete underscores their commitment to the students’ careers and team unity. As they prepare for Iowa, the Commodores aim to close the season on a high note in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
