NFF National Scholar-Athletes
Eli Stowers, TE – Vanderbilt
3.92 GPA – Individual Studies
Head Coach: Clark Lea | Athletics Director: Candice Storey Lee
Faculty Athletics Representative: Tracey George
National Football League Scholar-Athlete Award
A gifted athlete and natural leader, Eli Stowers has emerged as one of the nation's top tight ends while exemplifying the ideal student-athlete. The Denton, Texas, native becomes the fourth NFF National Scholar-Athlete from Vanderbilt and the first since 2002.
Stowers graduated from New Mexico State in May 2024 as a Crimson Scholar (3.92 GPA) before earning his master's degree in finance from Vanderbilt in May 2025. He is continuing postgraduate studies in legal studies and has been named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll and Dean's List three times.
A 2025 team captain and three-year letterman with stops at Texas A&M and New Mexico State, Stowers earned First Team All-SEC and Phil Steele Third Team All-America honors in 2024. Last season, he led the Commodores to their first winning season (7-6) and first bowl victory since 2013 with a Birmingham Bowl win. His play fueled Vanderbilt's first-ever win over a No. 1 team (Alabama) and first victory over Alabama since 1984. The Dores also notched their first road win at Auburn and first wins over both Alabama and Auburn in the same season since 1955. At New Mexico State, he guided the Aggies to a 10-3 regular season and a berth in the CUSA Championship Game.
Thus far in 2025, Stowers tops the Commodores with 28 receptions for 355 yards. He has 2 touchdowns through seven games, helping the team achieve a 6-1 start and a No. 10 ranking, the school's highest ranking since 1947. Last season, he recorded 49 receptions for 638 yards and 5 touchdowns, ranking among the most productive seasons by a Vanderbilt tight end in nearly three decades. During the 2023 season at New Mexico State, he recorded 35 catches for 366 yards and 2 touchdowns. Also, playing quarterback during his career, he completed five passes for 116 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Stowers has played an active role in Brother B's, an on-campus ministry; volunteered at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital; participated in Social Impact Day with the Pencil Foundation and Metro Nashville Public Schools; visited veterans' hospitals; and supported causes like the Dancing Dores fundraiser and the SAAC Holiday Party.
(All stats as of Oct. 22, 2025)
