ReliaQuest Bowl
2026
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#14 Vanderbilt vs. #23 Iowa — ReliaQuest Bowl 2025
The 40th anniversary ReliaQuest Bowl delivers one of the most intriguing matchups of the 2025 bowl season when the #14 Vanderbilt Commodores (10-2) take on the #23 Iowa Hawkeyes (8-4) on New Year's Eve, December 31, 2025 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. This marks the first-ever meeting between these two storied programs, adding historical significance to an already compelling top-25 showdown.
Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 PM ET (11:00 AM CT) with national television coverage on ESPN. The game features Vanderbilt's historic 10-win season against Iowa's championship-caliber defense in a clash of contrasting styles that promises fireworks heading into 2026.
Vanderbilt Makes History in 2025
The Vanderbilt Commodores are experiencing a season unlike any in program history. Under head coach Clark Lea, Vanderbilt achieved its first-ever 10-win season, going 10-2 overall with a 6-2 record in the Southeastern Conference. This also marks the Commodores' first time playing in consecutive bowl games since 2011-2013.
Leading the charge is dual-threat quarterback Diego Pavia, a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate who leads the SEC with 27 touchdown passes while also rushing for 826 yards and 9 touchdowns—making him one of the most dangerous playmakers in college football. Running back Sedrick Alexander has added 15 touchdowns from scrimmage, giving Vanderbilt the second-best scoring offense in the SEC at 39.4 points per game—8th nationally.
Iowa Returns to a Favorite Destination
The Iowa Hawkeyes know Raymond James Stadium well. This marks Iowa's seventh appearance in the ReliaQuest Bowl/Outback Bowl—tied for second-most in the bowl's history. The Hawkeyes are 3-3 in Tampa, with their most recent appearance being a 27-22 victory over Mississippi State in the 2019 Outback Bowl.
Head coach Kirk Ferentz—now in his remarkable 27th season at Iowa—has built a program defined by physical defense and disciplined play. The Hawkeyes finished 8-4 overall with a 6-3 mark in the Big Ten. One storyline to watch: Iowa hasn't beaten a ranked opponent since 2021, and they'll have one final chance to snap that streak against the 14th-ranked Commodores.
Clash of Styles: High-Powered Offense vs. Championship Defense
This ReliaQuest Bowl presents a fascinating tactical matchup. Vanderbilt's offense ranks among the nation's best, averaging nearly 40 points per game with Diego Pavia orchestrating an attack that features balance through the air and on the ground. Meanwhile, Iowa's defense under Phil Parker remains among the stingiest in college football.
Venue Spotlight: Raymond James Stadium
Raymond James Stadium in Tampa provides the perfect setting for New Year's Eve college football. Home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the stadium offers a world-class game-day experience with excellent sightlines, modern amenities, and the iconic pirate ship in the north end zone. Tampa's warm December weather offers a welcome escape for fans from Iowa City and Nashville.
The Bowl's Legacy of Impact
Over 40 years, the ReliaQuest Bowl has welcomed more than 1 million out-of-market visitors to the Tampa Bay region and generated an estimated $1.2 billion in economic impact. The game has donated more than $4.5 million to over 220 local charities since 2016.
Getting Your ReliaQuest Bowl Tickets
Tickets are available through Iowa and Vanderbilt athletic departments, through Ticketmaster, and directly from the bowl office. For guaranteed access, BigStub offers verified resale tickets with transparent, all-inclusive pricing.
Key Players to Watch
Vanderbilt Commodores
- Diego Pavia (QB) — SEC-leading 27 TD passes, 826 rushing yards, 9 rushing TDs; Heisman candidate
- Sedrick Alexander (RB) — 15 touchdowns from scrimmage
Iowa Hawkeyes
- Phil Parker's Defense — Legendary coordinator's unit ranks among Big Ten's best
- Kirk Ferentz — Dean of college football coaches in his 27th season
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2025 ReliaQuest Bowl?
The 2025 ReliaQuest Bowl takes place on New Year's Eve, Wednesday, December 31, 2025, with kickoff scheduled for 12:00 PM ET (11:00 AM CT) at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
What teams are playing in the ReliaQuest Bowl?
The #14 Vanderbilt Commodores (10-2) from the SEC face the #23 Iowa Hawkeyes (8-4) from the Big Ten. This is the first-ever meeting between these two programs.
What channel is the ReliaQuest Bowl on?
The ReliaQuest Bowl will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, with streaming available through the ESPN app.
Have Vanderbilt and Iowa ever played each other?
No, the 2025 ReliaQuest Bowl marks the first-ever meeting between Vanderbilt and Iowa.
Who is Diego Pavia?
Diego Pavia is Vanderbilt's dual-threat quarterback and a Heisman Trophy candidate. He leads the SEC with 27 touchdown passes while also rushing for 826 yards and 9 touchdowns.
How many times has Iowa played in the ReliaQuest Bowl?
The 2025 game marks Iowa's seventh appearance in the ReliaQuest Bowl (formerly the Outback Bowl), tied for second-most in the bowl's history. The Hawkeyes are 3-3 in Tampa.
What is special about Vanderbilt's 2025 season?
Vanderbilt achieved its first-ever 10-win season in program history and is playing in consecutive bowl games for the first time since 2011-2013.
How long has Kirk Ferentz been Iowa's coach?
Kirk Ferentz is in his 27th season as Iowa's head coach, making him the dean of college football coaches.
What is the weather typically like for the ReliaQuest Bowl?
Tampa typically enjoys mild, pleasant weather in late December, with average temperatures in the mid-70s.
Where is Raymond James Stadium located?
Raymond James Stadium is located at 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy in Tampa, Florida. The stadium is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
How can I get tickets to the ReliaQuest Bowl?
Tickets are available through each school's athletic department, Ticketmaster, the official ReliaQuest Bowl website, or through verified resale platforms like BigStub.
What is the economic impact of the ReliaQuest Bowl?
Over its 40-year history, the ReliaQuest Bowl has generated an estimated $1.2 billion in economic impact for the Tampa Bay region.
Does the ReliaQuest Bowl support charity?
Yes, the ReliaQuest Bowl has donated more than $4.5 million to over 220 local charities since 2016.
What is Vanderbilt's scoring average this season?
Vanderbilt averages 39.4 points per game, ranking second in the SEC and eighth nationally.
When was Iowa's last win at the ReliaQuest/Outback Bowl?
Iowa's most recent win in Tampa came in the 2019 Outback Bowl, when the Hawkeyes defeated Mississippi State 27-22.