Overview
- Kickoff is set for noon ET at Raymond James Stadium with television coverage on ESPN and streaming via the ESPN app and Fubo.
- Vanderbilt’s Heisman Trophy runner-up Diego Pavia is expected to play, while Mackey Award–winning tight end Eli Stowers has opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft.
- Iowa’s game-day report lists CB TJ Hall available after a two-game absence, with DBs Deshaun Lee and Kael Kolarik questionable and RB Nathan McNeill and TE Michael Burt out.
- Most books list Vanderbilt by about 4.5–5.5 points with a total around 45.5–46.5, and expert panels and projection models generally anticipate a close game with a slight edge to the Commodores.
- This is the first-ever meeting between the programs, with potential milestones in play including Kirk Ferentz pursuing a Big Ten record for bowl wins and Clark Lea seeking back-to-back bowl victories for Vanderbilt.