Eli Stowers: NFL Draft | Parents | Stats | 40-Yard Dash | Ethnicity | Sister

Eli Stowers has emerged as one of college football’s most intriguing NFL Draft prospects ahead of the 2026 Draft. From his early days as a high-school quarterback to becoming a consensus All-American and Mackey Award–winning tight end at Vanderbilt, Stowers’ journey is a story of transformation, athletic growth, and exceptional production.

In this in-depth profile, we’ll unpack everything you need to know: draft evaluation, statistics, physical traits (including his 40-yard dash time), early life, family background, ethnicity, possible siblings, and what scouts are saying about his future in the NFL.

1. Early Life & High School

Eli Stowers was born on April 15, 2003, in Denton, Texas. Raised in a competitive football atmosphere, he attended John H. Guyer High School, where he starred as a quarterback and also competed in track and field, particularly excelling in the high jump.

In his junior season, Stowers was named the District 5-6A Co-Offensive MVP, throwing for nearly 3,000 yards with 36 touchdowns while rushing for over 1,100 yards and 11 scores. This dynamic two-way production helped him earn significant recruiting attention from top college programs.

Despite his success as a quarterback in high school, his athleticism and versatility hinted at future position flexibility — something that has become a defining feature of his trajectory.

2. College Career Trajectory

Texas A&M (2021–22)

Stowers began his collegiate career at Texas A&M, spending two seasons mostly as a backup quarterback. Over those two years, he appeared in five games, gaining valuable experience in a competitive SEC environment.

New Mexico State (2023)

Seeking more playing time and a larger role in the offense, Stowers transferred to New Mexico State. Here, his role shifted significantly:

• He played both quarterback and tight end.

• He tallied 35 receptions for 366 yards and two touchdowns.

• On the ground, he added 108 rushing yards and two rushing TDs.

• As a passer, he contributed one more touchdown.

This hybrid usage foreshadowed his eventual full-time transition to tight end — a move that would define his future draft outlook.

Vanderbilt University (2024–25)

After one season at New Mexico State, Stowers landed at Vanderbilt, where his career truly exploded:

2024 Season

In his first full season as a tight end with Vanderbilt:

• He hauled in 49 receptions for 638 yards and five touchdowns.

• He led the Commodores in receptions, yards, and scores.

• Stowers posted 100+ yard games against Alabama and Ball State.

• His performance earned First-Team All-SEC honors and national recognition.

2025 Season

Stowers elevated his performance even further:

• 62 receptions for 769 yards and four touchdowns, leading all Power-Five tight ends in receiving yards.

• He became a team captain and helped Vanderbilt secure its first-ever 10-win season.

• On December 9, 2025, he was awarded the William V. Campbell Trophy, often referred to as the academic Heisman, recognizing his excellence on and off the field.

• He also won the John Mackey Award in 2025, given annually to college football’s top tight end.

• Stowers was named a consensus All-American, becoming the first Vanderbilt offensive player to earn that status since 2016.

Stowers decided to opt out of Vanderbilt’s bowl game to focus entirely on preparing for the upcoming NFL Draft — a common step for high-profile prospects.

3. College & Draft Stats

Stowers has shown consistent growth as a receiving threat, with year-over-year improvement in production.

4. 40-Yard Dash & Measurables

• Height: 6-4

• Weight: ~235 lbs

• 40-Yard Dash: ~4.55 seconds (Pro Day estimate)

His 40-yard dash time is well above average for tight ends and demonstrates elite athletic ability in the open field. Analysts point out that his combination of size, speed, and receiving skill makes him a dangerous mismatch.

In off-season testing, Stowers also posted impressive numbers in the broad jump and vertical jump, showcasing explosiveness rarely seen at his position — with social media buzz even suggesting historic marks (though not officially verified).

5. NFL Draft Outlook (2026)

Entering the NFL Draft 2026 cycle, Stowers is widely regarded as one of the most intriguing tight end prospects:

Strengths

• Elite receiving ability: Apart from size, Stowers displays advanced routerunning and hands that make him a consistent threat.

• Football IQ: His background as a former quarterback provides him with advanced understanding of defenses and route concepts.

• Versatility: Capable of lining up in multiple positions — inline, slot, or even in the backfield — offering offensive flexibility.

Areas to Improve

• Blocking consistency: Scouts have noted that while his receiving is elite, his in-line blocking could become a developmental focus for NFL schemes.

Draft Projections

• Some analysts project him as a second-round pick, potentially as early as Mid-Round.

• NFL mock draft buzz has linked him to teams seeking tight end upgrades, including the Kansas City Chiefs (in future transition talks) or the New York Giants in deeper evaluations.

6. Family & Background

Parents

Public information about Eli Stowers’ parents is limited in mainstream sources. He has referenced his father’s influence in interviews, particularly his exposure to football and mentorship growing up, but detailed professional or personal profiles of his parents are not widely documented.

Ethnicity

Stowers is American and was raised in Texas. While ethnicity details are not explicitly outlined in most official player bios, he is recognized as part of America’s diverse college football landscape.

Sister & Siblings

There is no widely reported public information confirming the name or career details of any siblings, including a sister. If he has siblings, they have kept low public profiles or aren’t part of major media coverage.

7. Awards & Recognitions

Here are some of Stowers’ most notable honors:

• 2025 William V. Campbell Trophy Winner – Academic and football excellence.

• 2025 John Mackey Award Winner – Nation’s best tight end.

• Consensus All-American (2025) – One of college football’s elite players.

• First-Team All-SEC (2024 & 2025) – Consistent elite performance in one of the toughest conferences.

8. Playing Style & NFL Potential

Eli Stowers projects as a modern NFL tight end, whose impact lies mostly in the passing game. His route discipline, ability to find soft spots in coverage, and speed in space make him a matchup nightmare for linebackers and safeties.

His unusual background as a former quarterback adds another layer — NFL teams value players who can understand offensive concepts from multiple perspectives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What position does Eli Stowers play?

A: He is a collegiate tight end currently projected for the 2026 NFL Draft. Previously, he also played quarterback at Texas A&M and New Mexico State.

Q2: What are Eli Stowers’ college stats?

A: Through his college career, Stowers has totaled over 140 receptions for nearly 1,800 yards and double-digit touchdowns, showing consistent improvement each season.

Q3: How fast is Eli Stowers in the 40-yard dash?

A: Approximately 4.55 seconds, an impressive time for a player of his size.

Q4: Is Eli Stowers expected to be drafted in 2026?

A: Yes — most analysts project him as a mid-round pick with potential to go earlier depending on team needs and combine performance.

Q5: Does Eli Stowers have siblings in football?

A: There’s no known public information about siblings active in football or public careers.

Q6: What awards has Eli Stowers won?

A: He’s a John Mackey Award winner, William V. Campbell Trophy recipient, and a Consensus All-American.

Conclusion: A Complete Prospect Profile

Eli Stowers is more than just a college standout — he embodies the evolution of the modern tight end. With elite production, versatility, physical tools, and academic excellence, he’s positioned to make a meaningful impact at the next level. While some questions remain — especially around blocking and scheme fit — his unique combination of skills could make him a coveted weapon for NFL offenses.