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Eli Stowers' football journey has come full circle - and then some. Once a quarterback battling Diego Pavia for a starting job, the former Vanderbilt signal-caller has reinvented himself as one of the most dynamic tight end prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. His performance at the NFL Combine only strengthened that narrative.
Stowers didn't just meet expectations in Indianapolis - he shattered them.
Eli Stowers sets NFL Combine records at tight end
On Sunday, footage surfaced of Stowers delivering a historic broad jump of 11 feet, 3 inches - the best ever recorded by a tight end at the NFL Combine. That mark surpassed former Virginia Tech tight end Bucky Hodges, who posted an 11-foot-2 jump in 2017.
Stowers wasn't done. He also posted a 45.5-inch vertical jump, breaking the previous tight end record set by Dorin Dickerson in 2010 (43.5 inches). His explosiveness translated to speed as well, clocking a 4.51-second 40-yard dash on his first attempt and a 4.55 on his second.
Those numbers reinforced what scouts have already noted: Stowers is an elite athlete with positional versatility.
Originally a quarterback at Texas A&M, Stowers later transferred to New Mexico State, where he competed with Diego Pavia for the starting role. When Pavia secured the job, Stowers embraced a transition into a utility role before eventually committing to tight end full-time.
That decision proved transformative.
After following Pavia to Vanderbilt, Stowers blossomed into one of college football's premier tight ends. Over two seasons with the Commodores, he recorded 49 receptions for 638 yards in 2024, then followed it up with 62 catches for 769 yards in 2025. His production earned him the John Mackey Award, the Campbell Trophy, and Unanimous All-American honors.
With his record-breaking combine performance, Stowers is now widely projected as a Day 2 selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Stowers credits growth and NFL role models
While Stowers' athleticism stands out, he emphasizes that his development as a complete tight end - particularly in blocking - has been equally important.
I've taken a lot of strides in my run blocking over the last two years. I think I've gotten a lot better, and I think I continue to get a lot better as well, not just in that aspect of my game, but in every aspect.
The former quarterback believes his background under center gives him an edge in understanding defenses and route concepts. But he also studies the game's elite tight ends to refine his craft.
I watch all the greats, [Travis] Kelce, in terms of his route running and his ability to get open and catch the ball. [George] Kittle, in terms of his mindset, can try to be the best at every aspect of tight end. Another guy I watch is Antonio Gates.
Meanwhile, Diego Pavia - who once beat Stowers for a quarterback job - is projected as a late-round draft pick. Their paths diverged, but Stowers' willingness to adapt may have ultimately elevated his NFL ceiling.
Now, with combine records in hand and a résumé packed with accolades, Eli Stowers has firmly established himself as one of the most intriguing tight end prospects in the 2026 draft class.