High Drama Ensued As the Iowa Hawkeyes Defeated the Vanderbilt Commodores in the 2025 Reliaquest Bowl

On a chilly but beautiful day at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, the Iowa Hawkeyes defeated Diego Pavia and the Vanderbilt Commodores by the score of 34-27 at the 2025 Reliaquest Bowl.

With the stadium predominantly filled with Hawkeye fans, Iowa jumped on Vanderbilt early with a slow methodical drive concluded by a short-yardage touchdown run from Kamari Moulton to go up 7–0. QB Mark Gronowski was special all day long as the Hawkeyes mixed in power running and precision passing as they controlled the clock, tempo and field position at least until midway into the third.

Vanderbilt, relying on offensive star and Heisman runner-up Diego Pavia, managed only a 41-yard field goal before halftime — as Iowa’s defense stiffened in red-zone situations and kept Vanderbilt out of the end zone in the first half. Pavia was under siege as Iowa’s defensive line, led by DE Max Llewellyn, sacked Pavia four times in the first half alone, completely nullifying the option attack.

In the third quarter, Iowa pulled away from the Commodores as Gronowski connected on touchdowns of 10 yards to Reece Vander Zee and 21 yards to DJ Vonnahme to take a 21-3 lead forcing Pavia and Vandy to try to strike quickly and they did just that.

Pavia showing off his Heisman like skills, then struck with a 75 yard touchdown to Tre Richardson with Iowa putting a field goal on the board after the touchdown. Pavia connected again with a 16-yard missile to Joseph McVay to make the score 24-17.

The teams both scored again as both QBs rushed for touchdowns. Gronowski a 1 yard sneak & with Pavia hustling in for a 11-yard rushing touchdown brought the Commodores within striking distance, setting up a tense final quarter.

With the lead trimmed to one score, Iowa leaned on clock management and physical play. A key 44-yard field goal from Drew Stevens extended the lead, and Iowa forced Vanderbilt into long third-downs late. On an ensuing late forth quarter drive and during a critical third-and-short, the Hawkeyes Xavier Williams converted to bring home the win and the trophy.

In a game billed as a collision between the immovable object (Iowa’s traditionalist defense) and the unstoppable force of chaos, the 2025 ReliaQuest Bowl delivered a surprising shootout after a slow start for Vandy. The Iowa Hawkeyes, often mocked for their offensive anemia, flipped the script to take home the Reliaquest trophy as Gronowski was named MVP.

This was validation for Kirk Ferentz’s refusal to change his program’s DNA, even as he adapted slightly by bringing in a dual-threat signal-caller like Gronowski. For Vanderbilt, it was a bitter but proud end to the greatest season in school history, proving they belonged on the big stage even if they came out a bit flat in the first half but that was due in my opinion to Iowa’s smothering defensive performance.

With 36,000 fans in attendance, The 2025 Reliaquest Bowl in Tampa was once again a fantastic game and experience even for the Commodore fans. The game turned out to be exciting with Vandy having a shot at the end but Iowa stood tall and celebrated the victory on the stage and on the field before and after the trophy presentation.

Standout Performers

Iowa

• Mark Gronowski (MVP) — 16/22, 212 yards, 3 total TDs (2 passing, 1 rushing)
• DJ Vonnahme — 7 catches, 146 receiving yards, touchdown
• Kamari Moulton — 14 carries, 95 rushing yards, 1 TD
• Defensive Front — consistent pressure and key tackles for loss early helped blunt Vanderbilt’s rhythm.

Vanderbilt

• Diego Pavia — 25/38, 347 passing yards, 3 total TDs — kept Vanderbilt in striking range all game
• Tre Richardson — 6 receptions, 127 yards, 1 TD

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Key Offensive & Defensive Plays

Offense

• Opening TD drive: Iowa chews clock with balanced runs and smart play-calling.
• 21-3 swing: Two third-quarter scores from Gronowski flipped momentum.
• Pavia bombs: Long touchdown pass to Richardson energized Vanderbilt’s comeback.

Defense

• Early Red-Zone Stands: Iowa’s defense stiffened when Vanderbilt threatened inside the 20.
• Fourth-Down Pressure: Iowa Gold Unit forced multiple long third-downs in the 4th quarter.
• Time Management: Hawkeyes’ late stops and clock control denied Vanderbilt the final drive.

Iowa Head Coach — Kirk Ferentz

“Credit to our guys for grinding. Vanderbilt is a terrific team, and we knew it would take everything we had. Gronowski was a warrior today, and our defense came up big when we needed it.”

Mark Gronowski (Iowa QB)

“We played with heart from kickoff. The offensive line gave me time, our receivers made plays, and defensively we just kept believing. This one means a lot to the seniors and Iowa fans.”

Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt QB)

“We fought back and showed we belong. I’m proud of this locker room — just fell a little short. Hats off to Iowa.”

Vanderbilt Head Coach Clark Lea

“Pavia was electric today, and we moved the ball well. In games like this, it’s the little things. A few plays here or there, and we’re talking about a different outcome.”

Additional Photos From The Game: