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The final day of the 2025 college football calendar delivers one more marquee matchup, as the ReliaQuest Bowl brings together the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Vanderbilt Commodores in Tampa, Florida. More importantly, this game offers fans one last opportunity to watch one of the most electrifying players in the sport.
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, the Heisman Trophy runner-up, will attempt to cap off a historic two-year run in Nashville with a bowl victory. Meanwhile, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz and his traditionally stout Hawkeyes defense stand in the way.
Diego Pavia’s Historic Run at Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt enters the ReliaQuest Bowl fresh off the first 10-win season in program history, a milestone largely credited to Diego Pavia’s leadership and playmaking ability. Over the past two seasons, Pavia has transformed the Commodores into a nationally relevant program, guiding them to back-to-back bowl appearances for only the second time ever.
Furthermore, this bowl appearance marks just Vanderbilt’s 11th all-time bowl game. Historically, the Commodores hold a 5-4-1 bowl record, making a victory over Iowa especially meaningful. A win would not only validate the program’s resurgence but also cement Pavia’s legacy as one of the most impactful players in Vanderbilt football history.
Iowa Hawkeyes Seek Postseason Redemption
On the other side, Iowa arrives with an 8-4 record and a reputation built on discipline, defense, and physicality. This marks the fifth consecutive bowl appearance for the Hawkeyes. However, postseason success has been elusive in recent years.
Iowa’s last bowl victory came in the 2022 Music City Bowl, where they shut out Kentucky 21-0. Since then, the Hawkeyes have been searching for another postseason win. Notably, a victory in the ReliaQuest Bowl would even Kirk Ferentz’s bowl record at 11-11, a significant benchmark for one of college football’s longest-tenured coaches.
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Iowa vs Vanderbilt: Game Time and Location
The ReliaQuest Bowl will be played at Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Known for its warm weather and electric atmosphere, the venue sets the stage for an exciting year-end showdown.
Game Details
- Date: Wednesday, December 31
- Time: Noon ET | 11 a.m. CT
- Location: Tampa, Florida
What TV Channel Is Iowa vs Vanderbilt On?
Fans can watch the ReliaQuest Bowl live on ESPN, which will provide national coverage of the matchup. In addition, streaming options are available for cord-cutters.
Broadcast & Streaming Options
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN App (with cable login), Fubo (free trial available)
Mark Jones and Roddy Jones will handle play-by-play and analysis from the booth, while Alyssa Lang reports from the sideline.
Iowa vs Vanderbilt Predictions: Who Will Win?
Experts across the USA TODAY Network have weighed in, and the consensus slightly favors Vanderbilt. Most analysts believe Pavia’s versatility and momentum could overwhelm Iowa’s offense, though the Hawkeyes’ defense keeps the matchup competitive.
Expert Picks
- Vanderbilt: Matt Hayes, Jordan Mendoza, Erick Smith, Eddie Timanus, Blake Toppmeyer
- Iowa: Paul Myerberg
ReliaQuest Bowl Odds and Betting Line
According to BetMGM odds released on December 30, Vanderbilt enters as the favorite. Still, Iowa’s underdog status makes them intriguing for bettors who trust defensive consistency.
Latest Odds
- Spread: Vanderbilt -5.5
- Over/Under: 46.5
- Moneyline: Vanderbilt (-220) | Iowa (+180)
As always, betting involves risk, and odds may fluctuate leading up to kickoff.
Ultimately, the ReliaQuest Bowl represents far more than a standard postseason matchup. For Vanderbilt, it is a chance to validate a historic season and send Diego Pavia out with a defining victory. Conversely, Iowa seeks redemption and a return to postseason success under Kirk Ferentz.
Regardless of the outcome, this New Year’s Eve showdown promises compelling storylines, contrasting styles, and one final taste of college football in 2025.
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