Vanderbilt Football Prepares for ReliaQuest Bowl Showdown

Vanderbilt University’s football team is gearing up for a significant challenge as they face the Iowa Hawkeyes in the ReliaQuest Bowl on December 31, 2025, in Tampa, Florida. Although the Commodores fell short of qualifying for the College Football Playoff, they are approaching this bowl game with enthusiasm and determination. Head coach Clark Lea expressed his gratitude during a press conference, emphasizing the importance of this opportunity.

“We’re so excited to have this opportunity to close out a special season,” Lea stated. “These moments become really meaningful and emotional when you know the time and the place of your final climb. And that’s what we learned today.”

The Iowa Hawkeyes, under the leadership of head coach Kirk Ferentz, have a long-standing reputation for consistency within the Big Ten Conference. Since 2001, Iowa has achieved at least six wins in all but one season, with their last bowl absence occurring in 2012. They hold a record of 5-7 in bowl games during this period, having won five of their last eight. Notably, Iowa competed in the 2020 Music City Bowl, which was ultimately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The last time Iowa participated in what is now the ReliaQuest Bowl, they triumphed over Mississippi State with a score of 27-22.

This year marks Vanderbilt’s first appearance in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Lea acknowledged the significance of this matchup, stating, “This group earned the right to go play against a really strong Iowa team. Iowa has long set the standard for what sustained success looks like, and that’s something we’re aspiring to.”

Vanderbilt is concluding the season with an impressive 10-2 record, the first time the program has achieved ten or more wins in its history. The Commodores ended the regular season with a three-game winning streak, securing victories against Auburn, Kentucky, and Tennessee. This strong finish has positioned them as one of the more formidable teams in college football as they prepare for the bowl game.

“I’m looking forward to being able to compete against his team and spend a little time with him in the process,” Lea remarked. “We’re really excited and grateful for the opportunity.”

As the Commodores focus on their upcoming game, the women’s track and field team at Vanderbilt also showcased their talents over the weekend. They kicked off the 2025-2026 season with the Winter Commodore Challenge, recording 10 marks that rank in the program’s all-time top ten. Director Althea Thomas highlighted the importance of this event, stating, “We wanted this meet in December because our athletes have been training so well. It was a dress rehearsal, and I think the athletes did extremely well.”

In this event, Cali Bryant captured first place with a height of 1.74 meters, tying for sixth in program history. In her collegiate debut, Janie Ford cleared 1.66 meters, securing sixth place. Four Vanderbilt athletes advanced to the 60-meter hurdles final, each recording times within tenths of a second of their personal bests during the preliminary rounds. In the final race, Santana Spearman, Devyn Parham, and Taylor McKinnon achieved personal bests, finishing second through fourth.

“This meet was exactly what we needed to end the fall season as we go into finals and prepare for the traditional indoor season in January,” Thomas added. “Having ten top-ten marks in December is a testament to what’s to come.”

As Vanderbilt prepares for the ReliaQuest Bowl, both the football and women’s track and field teams are demonstrating their commitment to excellence and growth. Fans eagerly anticipate the Commodores taking the field in Tampa and the promising future of their athletic programs.