Iowa vs. Vanderbilt Opt-Out Tracker, Transfers, Injuries, Starting Lineups, Best Bet for ReliaQuest Bowl
The Iowa Hawkeyes will take on the Vanderbilt Commodores in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Wednesday afternoon in the first-ever meeting between these programs. Jack Borovitz analyzes this Iowa vs. Vanderbilt transfer portal and opt-out tracker for Wednesday, December 31st in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
Jack Borovitz - December 31, 2025, 10:45 AM EST
5 Minute ReadIowa vs. Vanderbilt Preview: Who Is Opting-Out, Injured for ReliaQuest Bowl on Wednesday, December 31st
The ReliaQuest Bowl brings a rare first-time matchup with two programs taking dramatically different approaches to roster retention. Iowa enters with complete roster stability after head coach Kirk Ferentz confirmed he expects the team to be intact for the bowl game. None of the Hawkeyes' 27 seniors are opting out despite opportunities to skip this non-playoff game. C Logan Jones won the Rimington Trophy and earned unanimous consensus All-America honors, anchoring an offensive line that won the Joe Moore Award for the second time in program history. KR/PR Kaden Wetjen earned consensus All-America honors after leading the nation with 965 combined return yards, becoming the only player in Big Ten history with three punt return touchdowns and one kick return touchdown in the same season. QB Mark Gronowski completed 150 of 240 passes for 1,529 yards, eight touchdowns, and six interceptions. The Hawkeyes went 8-4 with all four losses coming by a combined 15 points.
Vanderbilt faces a significant offensive depletion after TE Eli Stowers opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft. Stowers won the 2025 John Mackey Award as the nation's best tight end and earned first-team All-SEC honors after catching 62 passes for 769 yards and four touchdowns, leading the team in both receptions and receiving yards. QB Diego Pavia confirmed he will play after finishing second in Heisman Trophy voting. Pavia threw for 3,192 yards and 27 touchdowns while rushing for 826 yards and nine scores, showing dual-threat ability that defines the Vanderbilt offense. RBs Sedrick Alexander and MK Young provide a physical ground game that complements Pavia's creativity. WRs Junior Sherrill and Tre Richardson will see increased targets with Stowers unavailable.
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Iowa vs. Vanderbilt Date, Time, and Where to Watch ReliaQuest Bowl
- Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025
- Time: 12:00 PM ET
- How to Watch: ESPN
Iowa vs. Vanderbilt Odds
ReliaQuest Bowl | Odds |
|---|---|
Iowa +4 (-110) | Vanderbilt -4 (-110) |
Iowa ML (+150) | Vanderbilt ML (-180) |
Over 46.5 Total Points | Under 46.5 Total Points |
Click here for the latest Iowa vs. Vanderbilt Odds
Iowa vs. Vanderbilt Opt-Outs Tracker & Injuries
Iowa Potential Opt-Outs
- DE Max Llewellyn
- DT Aaron Graves
- C Logan Jones
- RG Kade Pieper
- RT Gennings Dunker
- S Xavier Nwankpa
- CB TJ Hall
Head coach Kirk Ferentz said he expects the roster to be intact for the bowl game.
Iowa Injuries
- CB TJ Hall (missed final two games)
- RB Xavier Williams (missed finale; 141 snaps)
Vanderbilt Potential Opt-Outs
- TE Eli Stowers (reports are saying he will opt out)
- QB Diego Pavia (can't imagine he doesn't play)
Iowa vs. Vanderbilt Odds Breakdown - ReliaQuest Bowl
Iowa's defensive identity centers on third-down efficiency and pass defense. The Hawkeyes rank eighth nationally in pass efficiency defense and excel at forcing opponents into uncomfortable situations. C Logan Jones and the Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line create protection for Gronowski and open running lanes. Iowa averaged 5.25 yards per carry during the regular season, showing a physical ground game that controls tempo. The Hawkeyes went 8-3-1 ATS during the regular season, demonstrating consistent value for bettors. Ferentz has an impressive track record in bowl games, posting a 6-2 ATS record in December bowls and a 46-22-3 ATS record against teams averaging 8.0 or more yards per attempt through the air.
Iowa's offense lacks explosiveness but rarely beats itself. Gronowski manages the game efficiently without forcing throws into coverage. The Hawkeyes' four losses came by 3, 5, 2, and 5 points, showing they stayed competitive against better competition throughout the season. Wetjen provides game-changing ability on special teams, creating field position advantages that benefit a grind-it-out offense.
Vanderbilt finished 10-2 with victories over Alabama and Auburn, showing the Commodores can compete with top SEC talent. Pavia throws for over 260 yards per game while adding another 70 on the ground, creating offensive diversity that stresses defenses. The Commodores rank first in adjusted success rate and yards per play, showing elite offensive efficiency. Alexander and Young combine for a physical rushing attack that complements Pavia's mobility. Vanderbilt converts third downs at a high rate and controls time of possession, limiting opponents' offensive opportunities.
The total dropped three points from 49.5 to 46.5, reflecting the market's expectation that Vanderbilt's offense takes a step back without its leading receiver. Iowa went 8-3-1 ATS during the regular season while Vanderbilt finished 10-2 ATS, showing both programs consistently deliver value. Ferentz has a proven track record of preparing teams for bowl games, particularly against high-powered offenses.
Iowa vs. Vanderbilt Best Bet
- Pick: Iowa +4 (-110) Check out these best odds on DraftKings Sportsbook
Iowa has complete roster continuity while Vanderbilt lost the player who led the team in receiving yards and receptions. The Hawkeyes' elite pass defense matches up perfectly against a Commodores offense that must replace 769 receiving yards with an inexperienced tight end. Ferentz has a proven track record in bowl games, and Iowa went 2-0 ATS this season as underdogs of 6.5 points or more. Taking the points with the more stable roster and superior coaching in bowl preparation is the right side in Tampa.
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