Iowa Hawkeyes (8-4) vs. Vanderbilt Commodores (10-2)
December 31, 2025 12:00 pm EDT
The Line: Vanderbilt Commodores -5.5 / Iowa Hawkeyes 5.5; Over/Under: 46.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Iowa Hawkeyes and Vanderbilt Commodores meet Wednesday in the college football ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Here’s a Vanderbilt vs Iowa Prediction. This article will include a Vanderbilt vs Iowa Pick.
Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Preview
The Iowa Hawkeyes beat Michigan State and Nebraska. The Iowa Hawkeyes have won 5 of their last 7 games. Mark Gronowski is completing 62.5 percent of his passes for 1,529 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. DJ Vonnahme and Sam Phillips have combined for 549 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, while Jacob Gil has 22 receptions.
The Iowa Hawkeyes ground game is averaging 177.8 yards per contest, and Kamari Moulton leads the way with 783 yards and 4 touchdowns. Defensively, Iowa is allowing 15.2 points and 270.6 yards per game. Karson Sharar leads the Iowa Hawkeyes with 78 tackles, Max Liewellyn has 6 sacks and Zach Lutmer has 3 interceptions.
Vanderbilt Commodores Betting Preview
The Vanderbilt Commodores beat Kentucky and Tennessee. The Vanderbilt Commodores have won 5 of their last 6 games. Diego Pavia is completing 71.2 percent of his passes for 3,192 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. Eli Stowers and Tre Richardson have combined for 1,448 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, while Junior Sherrill has 46 receptions.
The Vanderbilt Commodores ground game is averaging 185.9 yards per contest, and Diego Pavia leads the way with 826 yards and 9 touchdowns. Defensively, Vanderbilt is allowing 21.9 points and 355.8 yards per game. Bryan Longwell leads the Vanderbilt Commodores with 67 tackles, Miles Capers has 4.5 sacks and Martel Hight has 3 interceptions.
Why the Vanderbilt Commodores will win
- Iowa has lost each of its last 13 games against AP-ranked teams.
- The favorite has won each of Iowa’s last 15 games.
- Vanderbilt has covered the spread in each of its last six games.
- Iowa has failed to cover the spread in each of its last five games as an underdog at neutral venues.
- Vanderbilt has won the first half in five of its last six games against non-conference opponents.
Why the Iowa Hawkeyes will win
- Vanderbilt has lost each of its last five games in Florida.
- Iowa has won 25 of its last 31 games against non-conference opponents.
- Vanderbilt has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four games in Florida.
- Iowa has covered the spread in eight of its last 10 games.
- Iowa has won the first quarter in three of its last four games against non-conference opponents.
- Iowa has won the first half in 11 of its last 14 games against non-conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Thirteen of Iowa’s last 14 games as an underdog have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Seventeen of Vanderbilt’s last 19 games against non-conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
Vanderbilt Commodores Player Prop Facts
- Heading into the bowl games, Diego Pavia ranks 5th amongst qualified players for passer rating (117.2) this season.
Iowa Hawkeyes Player Prop Facts
- Heading into the bowl games, Kaden Wetjen is the only player in the FBS to have both a punt and kick return touchdown this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Vanderbilt ranks 3rd among FBS teams for 3rd down conversion percentage this season (53.2).
- Vanderbilt ranks 4th among FBS teams for Q3 points per game this season (10.3).
- Iowa ranks 1st among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage against this season (26.3).
- Iowa ranks 4th among FBS teams for Q4 opponent points per game this season (2.8).
Vanderbilt vs Iowa Prediction
This should be a fun game between two teams that look like they’ll be whole. There’s no major opt-outs or injuries at the time of this writing. Iowa and the points are always worth a look, as the defense travels and keeps the Hawkeyes in the game. Iowa is sixth in total defense and scoring defense. The problem here is Iowa still has massive issues offensively, and it becomes difficult to respond if a score or two is allowed. Things get away from Iowa if it’s not able to stay on schedule.
Vanderbilt is simply the more balanced team with the best player on the field. Vanderbilt is also 13th in total offense and eighth in scoring offense, which obviously came against SEC defenses. If Vanderbilt gets comfortable offensively and scores early, Iowa will be in trouble. I’ll lay the points with the Commodores.
