Nashville, Tennessee, September 5, 2025
News Summary
Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers is uncertain for the Commodores’ season opener against Charleston Southern due to an undisclosed injury. While he remains optimistic about his recovery, his participation depends on practice performance. Stowers, a standout player and preseason All-America selection, aims to continue his impressive run from last season. The Commodores look to build momentum as they face a struggling Buccaneers team, hoping for Stowers’ return to the field in their first game of the season.
Nashville, Tennessee – Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers is facing uncertain availability for the Commodores’ season opener against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers on August 30, 2025. Stowers, who has emerged as a standout player, is currently dealing with an undisclosed injury that has limited his participation in preseason activities and kept him out of two scrimmages.
While Stowers has expressed optimism about his condition and intends to play, head coach Clark Lea has stated that his participation will hinge on his performance in practice leading up to the game. Vanderbilt’s opener is set to take place at 6 p.m. at a sold-out FirstBank Stadium, where fans are eagerly anticipating the performance of their team, which is coming off a promising season.
Stowers is highly regarded as a preseason All-America selection and is projected to be a first-round pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. His previous season was impressive, as he recorded 49 receptions for 638 yards and scored five touchdowns. His ability to contribute significantly as a tight end has garnered him seven preseason All-America selections, establishing him as one of the top talents in college football.
The Charleston Southern Buccaneers, the opposing team for the Commodores, struggled last season, finishing with a 1-11 record and going 0-8 in the Big South Conference. This matchup presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt to start the season strong, provided that key players like Stowers are on the field.
Stowers began his collegiate career at Texas A&M as a quarterback before transitioning to tight end. During his first full season in his current position in 2024, he earned high accolades, registering an overall offensive grade of 86.1 from Pro Football Focus. His performance as a receiver also earned him an impressive 88.0 grade, ranking him seventh among tight ends who participated in at least ten games.
Despite his success, there have been calls for Stowers to improve his blocking skills. He achieved a blocking grade of 60.0 across 171 run-block snaps last season. However, he has shown encouraging progress during preseason practices, refining his blocking techniques through focused drills on footwork and pad level. Stowers now stands at 6-4 and weighs 235 pounds, attributes that enhance his on-field versatility.
Vanderbilt designated Stowers as a first-team All-SEC selection, marking the first time a Commodore has received this recognition since 2013. As he prepares for the season, he remains committed to honing his skills and maintaining a balanced perspective on expectations surrounding his All-American status. Stowers strives to consistently perform at a high level throughout the upcoming season, demonstrating a determination to excel in every aspect of his game in order to bolster his NFL career prospects.
Coach Lea has praised Stowers for his toughness and adaptability on the field, anticipating a significant impact from him as the season progresses. The Commodores and their fans remain hopeful for Stowers’ recovery and contributions as they embark on their campaign.
FAQ
What injury is Eli Stowers dealing with?
Eli Stowers is dealing with an undisclosed injury, which has limited his participation in preseason activities and has kept him out of two scrimmages.
When is the season opener for Vanderbilt?
The season opener for Vanderbilt is scheduled for August 30, 2025, at 6 p.m. against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers.
What are Stowers’ accomplishments from the previous season?
In the previous season, Eli Stowers caught 49 passes for 638 yards and five touchdowns. He was also named a preseason All-America selection and a first-team All-SEC player.
How did Stowers transition from quarterback to tight end?
Stowers began his collegiate career as a quarterback at Texas A&M before transitioning to tight end, where he had his first full season in that position in 2024.
Key Features of Eli Stowers’ Profile
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Eli Stowers |
| Position | Tight End |
| College | Vanderbilt Commodores |
| Jersey Number | 9 |
| Previous Season Stats | 49 receptions, 638 yards, 5 touchdowns |
| Preseason Accolades | 7-time All-America selection, 1st-team All-SEC |
| Height/Weight | 6’4″, 235 lbs |
| Overall Offensive Grade | 86.1 (Pro Football Focus) |
| Receiver Grade | 88.0 (Pro Football Focus) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Vanderbilt University to Kick Off Football Season Against Charleston Southern
Vanderbilt Commodores Celebrate Bowl Victory
Vanderbilt Commodores Celebrate Historic Bowl Victory
Additional Resources
- VU Commodores: Eli Stowers Fall Practice Interview
- Nashville Post: Eli Stowers Adds Element to Game
- Sports Illustrated: Players to Watch on Vanderbilt’s Offense
- Tennessean: Eli Stowers NFL Draft Prospects
- Sports Illustrated: Eli Stowers and Blocking Responsibilities
- Wikipedia: Eli Stowers
- Google Search: Eli Stowers
- Google Scholar: Eli Stowers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Eli Stowers
- Google News: Eli Stowers
Author: HERE Nashville
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