Eli Stowers

Early life

Stowers was born on April 15, 2003, and grew up in Little Elm, Texas. He attended John H. Guyer High School in Denton, Texas, where he played quarterback. As a junior in 2019, he was the District 5-6A Co-Offensive MVP after passing for 2,969 yards with 36 touchdowns while adding 1,166 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. Stowers committed to Texas A&M University to play college football.

College career

Stowers played quarterback at Texas A&M in 2021 and 2022, appearing in five games as a backup. Prior to the 2023 season he transferred to New Mexico State University, where he played quarterback and tight end. Over 15 games he had 35 receptions for 366 yards with two touchdowns while adding 108 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns and one passing touchdown. After the season, Stowers transferred to Vanderbilt University.

For the 2025 season, Stowers was named the winner of the John Mackey Award given to the nation's best tight end. He also was named the winner of the William V. Campbell Trophy which is awarded to the player who shows the most combined excellence in academics and football.

On December 28, 2025, it was confirmed Stowers would be opting out of the ReliaQuest Bowl which Vanderbilt was scheduled to play on December 31, against Iowa.

Personal life

Stowers' father, Donald, is a High school football coach and former football player who played at New Mexico State and in NFL Europe for the Rhein Fire. His sister, Kyndal, plays Volleyball for Texas A&M.