Wednesday, March 18, 2026

2026 NFL Draft Prospect QB Diego Pavia

Diego Pavia:

Scouting Reports:  









Positional Rankings:

2026 NFL Draft: Quarterback value chart (On the bubble/priority free agents - Diego Pavia - Vanderbilt) (4-9-26):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2026/04/08/2026-nfl-draft-quarterback-value-chart/89517468007/

Video:

Quarterback Diego Pavia's 2026 NFL Scouting Combine Workout:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/diego-pavia-s-2026-nfl-scouting-combine-workout

Senior Bowl -Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia drops dime to Baylor WR Josh Cameron:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/vanderbilt-qb-diego-pavia-drops-dime-to-baylor-wr-josh-cameron

A day in the life of Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia:  https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/46719458

Articles:



7 college football standouts who could face long wait in 2026 NFL Draft (QB Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt: In his rise to become one of college football's most prolific and visible stars, Pavia repeatedly won with style all his own. The former junior college standout and New Mexico State transfer made his mark on the Southeastern Conference by putting defenses on their heels, whether that meant taking off as a runner or distributing in the short-to-intermediate areas as a passer. No matter the scenario, Pavia had a way of dictating terms for the flow of the game.  Those days are decidedly gone. Pavia's pro acclimation will hinge on his ability to adapt to an existing offensive structure rather than have it molded to his proclivities. That could be troublesome, as the Heisman Trophy runner-up is saddled with some significant restraints as a passer. At 5-10 and 207 pounds, he falls well below some teams' size thresholds. At Vanderbilt, he circumvented concerns about his height with frequent rollouts, but a similar approach seems untenable in the NFL. Deep routes also could be inaccessible to him, with his arm strength, accuracy and timing for that portion of the field all falling well below pro standards. A backup role will be hard to come by, unless a team feels it can fully trust him to run its existing scheme. That might mean that some agency of an unwanted variety, as Pavia could be left to pick among some options as an undrafted free agent.) (4-22-26):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2026/04/21/nfl-draft-2026-long-wait-diego-pavia/89700804007/

NFL Coaches on Why a Once-Promising 2026 QB Draft Class Faded Fast in the Fall (Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia clearly has some baller to him—and has played a lot of college football, starting 21 games at the junior college level, then another 49 across four FBS seasons (the first two at New Mexico State). The trouble for Pavia, who’s just 5'10" and 207 pounds, is that there’s no real defining trait, and his bravado could turn off teams that are just looking for a developmental backup.) (4-21-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/nfl-coaches-evaluate-once-promising-2026-qb-draft-class

2026 NFL draft intel, notes: What Adam Schefter is hearing (Pavia's draft status - One of Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia's strongest traits is his confidence. He says he believes his skills rival any QB in this draft, and that teams are making a mistake going off potential and measurables rather than production and intangibles. He threw for 3,539 yards, 29 touchdowns and eight interceptions last season, and he also rushed for 862 yards and 10 touchdowns.  Some teams are taking a closer look. The Panthers recently had Pavia in for a visit, and others are doing their own work on him. Expect his name to be called this weekend, allowing him to set out to prove he can win wherever he plays.) (4-20-26):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/48507444/2026-nfl-draft-notes-intel-buzz-adam-schefter-first-round-picks-teams-trades

Diego Pavia Landing Spots and NFL Draft Projection: Chargers, Cowboys to Watch for Vanderbilt QB (4-16-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/diego-pavia-five-landing-spots-april-16-2026/

Brooks' 2026 NFL Draft: Ranking and Evaluating the Top 10 Quarterbacks (10. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt:  The 5-foot-10, 207-pound Pavia lacks the prototypical dimensions and tools to merit serious consideration as a QB1, but his production and big-game performance make him a worthwhile gamble as a late-round draft pick or undrafted free agent. The mobile playmaker puts immense pressure on the defense with his improvisational skills, leading to splash plays that will make him a fan favorite in the preseason. Given how Pavia’s competitiveness transformed the Vanderbilt program, do not dismiss his chances of beating the odds as an outlier in the quarterback room.) (4-16-26):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2026-nfl-draft-top-10-quarterbacks-fernando-mendoza-ty-simpson

College football fan guide to the 2026 NFL draft (Where the biggest college football stars will go? Draft analyst Matt Miller looked at ESPN's CFB Player Rank from the end of the 2025 season, picked out the players from the top 10 who are in this draft class and tried to figure out when each prospect will come off the board. We're skipping Fernando Mendoza, though; we know he's going No. 1. Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt: UDFA - Pavia is a talented gamer with a penchant for big plays, as the 24-year-old was the Heisman runner-up thanks to his 29 touchdowns and 4,401 yards of total offense. But his lack of ideal measurables at 5-foot-10 and 207 pounds might keep him from being selected in the 2026 draft. Pavia's aggressive, carefree style is great for SportsCenter but raises concerns about durability at the next level. A team could take a swing on him late in the draft, but it would take the right ecosystem for his confident style to be a fit. -- Miller) (4-15-26):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/48475095/nfl-draft-2026-college-football-fan-guide-teams-picks-trends-more

Heisman Trophy runner-up Diego Pavia aims for NFL as his next stop (4-14-26):  https://apnews.com/article/nfl-draft-vanderbilt-diego-pavia-heisman-0bcf8e8c8d5dfa929551ec35c6950fcc

Top 10 quarterbacks in 2026 NFL Draft (9. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
Diego Pavia:  The diminutive Pavia has been counted out his whole career, and the NFL Draft is just the latest example. But all he’s done, at every level he’s been at, is put up numbers, elevate his team, and win football games.  Recent QBs such as Russell Wilson and Bryce Young have shown that you can be a smaller QB in today’s NFL, and that may give Pavia a chance to get drafted and go win a starting job.) (4-13-26):  https://www.thebiglead.com/top-10-quarterbacks-2026-nfl-draft/

College coaches pick 2026 NFL draft sleepers (Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt Commodores - Key numbers: 3,539 passing yards, 29 TDs, eight INTs, 862 rushing yards, 10 rushing TDs, QBR of 87.3 in 2025. Pavia had 49 TD passes, 18 rushing TDs and 12 INTs on 676 passing attempts in two seasons at Vanderbilt. He also played two seasons at New Mexico State and finished with 10,255 career passing yards, 88 passing TDs and 31 rushing scores.  Scouts Inc. ranking: Not ranked.  What else to know: NFL evaluators know plenty about Pavia after he filled college football headlines the past two seasons. He changed Vanderbilt's program trajectory and led the team to its first 10-win season last fall, while finishing as the Heisman Trophy runner-up. Pavia won SEC Offensive Player of the Year in 2025 and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, after being named SEC Newcomer of the Year in 2024. He significantly improved his accuracy, rising from around 60% completions in 2023 and 2024 to 70.6% in 2025. The 5-foot-10, 207-pound Pavia did on-field workouts at the combine but didn't go through athletic testing.  "There is a total focus on winning for him," Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea said. "People like to create narratives around who he is and who he's not. All I know is that for two years, this guy helped elevate everyone's attitude internally. He measures 5-10 at the combine and there's almost this question around him playing quarterback. When you look at his analytic measures -- his average depth of target, big-game throws, throws beyond the sticks -- his numbers are right there along with [Fernando] Mendoza's. He became a better quarterback from '24 to '25.  "​​I believe that he's got a chance to not just land somewhere, but actually build a great career where he continues proving people wrong and winning.") (4-13-26):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/48380198/2026-nfl-draft-college-football-coaches-sleeper-picks

Diego Pavia’s Agent Pours Cold Water on Viral Claims That QB Made Controversial NFL Draft Decision (4-10-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/diego-pavia-agent-qb-controversial-decision-nfl-draft-2026/

Diego Pavia’s Agent Pours Cold Water on Viral Claims That QB Made Controversial NFL Draft Decision (4-8-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/diego-pavia-agent-qb-controversial-decision-nfl-draft-2026/

Diego Pavia stuns, impresses Jon Gruden in his QB Class (4-7-26):  https://www.thebiglead.com/diego-pavia-stuns-impresses-jon-gruden-in-his-qb-class/

NFL draft QB Hot Board: Reid on strengths and weaknesses for the top 12 passers (12. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt - Height: 5-foot-10 | Weight: 207 pounds.  Class: Sixth-year senior | Projected range: Late Day 3, UDFA.  Best team fit: Baltimore Ravens.  Where he excels: After two seasons in junior college, Pavia played two years at New Mexico State before transferring to Vanderbilt prior to the 2024 season. He was the catalyst behind one of the most magical program turnarounds in the country over the past two seasons. He finished with 3,539 passing yards, 29 touchdown passes and eight interceptions last season and was second in the Heisman Trophy voting.  His 8.8 yards per dropback was the highest in the FBS, as he can make explosive plays happen with his arm and caused headaches for defenses with his wizardry outside the pocket. Carrying a "me against the world" mentality as an undersized playmaker, Pavia constantly plays the game on edge and isn't afraid to take risks. Pavia displays high levels of poise and has played his best against the toughest opponents no matter the environment.  He loves to extend plays and take chances down the field, as exemplified by his 9.4 yards per attempt last season (second highest in FBS).  Where he needs work: At just under 5-foot-10, QBs of Pavia's size hardly ever last in the NFL as late-round selections. His stature makes him an extreme outlier, which could take him off some teams' draft boards. Pavia needs to learn how to operate consistently through progressions, as Vanderbilt's offense included a lot of shotgun-based one- or two-option reads.  He also tends to bail from the pocket prematurely when those early options aren't available. Pavia's mental makeup and competitive drive might convince a team to take a chance on him late in the draft, though. There's no denying the effect that he had on the Vanderbilt program and his role in its dramatic improvement over the past two seasons.) (4-5-26):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/46532548/2026-nfl-draft-ranking-top-quarterbacks-hot-board-team-fits-strengths-weaknesses

Handicapping What Rounds QBs Might Be Selected in the 2026 NFL Draft (Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
Draft range: UDFA.  His insistence on being a quarterback in the NFL may limit where he winds up at the next level, and his personality is going to automatically turn off some teams, just as much as some coaches won’t be overjoyed with his brashness. Pavia’s got the heart of an incredible competitor, and that should serve him well, even if his height (6' 0") makes his name unlikely to be called during the draft.) (3-26-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/handicapping-what-rounds-qbs-might-be-selected-2026-nfl-draft

2026 NFL Draft: Best late-round option for every offensive role (QB with Starter Potential: Cole Payton, North Dakota State - The key phrase here is starter potential, because Payton simply lacks the experience to be an effective first-year NFL starter. The No. 234 prospect on the PFF Big Board started just 15 games during his career at North Dakota State. However, if a team is going to bet on an inexperienced quarterback, it might as well be on one with Payton’s athletic upside.  Payton showcased that upside at the combine, running a 4.56-second 40-yard dash and posting a 40-inch vertical at 232 pounds. The left-hander also led all college quarterbacks in PFF passing grade (94.6) in 2025. He completed 161 of his 226 passes for 16 touchdowns and four interceptions while recording an impressive 78.3% adjusted completion rate.  Payton also proved to be highly productive as a runner, earning a 90.0 PFF rushing grade and compiling 894 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns and 39 forced missed tackles.  While his one season as a starter leaves questions about readiness, his athletic profile and production make him an intriguing late-round quarterback gamble.) (3-17-26):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-best-late-round-option-for-every-offensive-role

2026 NFL Draft Preview: Best Quarterback Fits (Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt:  Pavia is a fascinating evaluation. While the raw numbers hint that he’s NFL-ready, there’s work to be done. The combination of explosiveness and efficiency in the deep passing game does show up — Pavia has a throwing motion where he’s almost pushing the ball out of his hand, but he can make touch throws downfield with impressive accuracy. He’s also capable of zipping the ball into converging coverage, and he does throw his receivers open with credible anticipation.  That said, Pavia did a lot of throwing to or outside the numbers with the Commodores, and that was with the benefit of the NCAA’s wider hashmarks. When he’s required to make bang-on throws over the middle of the field in the NFL’s more constricted windows, that could be an adjustment. When Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker was selected by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2023 draft, the transition from Josh Heupel’s extreme spread offense to the NFL did not work.  Pavia did complete 77-of-89 passes in 2025 on throws over the middle for 1,021 yards, 10 touchdowns, one interception and an NFL passer rating of 147.2, and there were enough of those plays in condensed formations to make you think it’s transferable. For a guy with a sawed-off, slightly squatty body type, Pavia doesn’t appear to have trouble seeing things between the guards. He does struggle with disguised coverages, and he’ll see a lot more of those in the NFL, so that will be high on the to-do list for his NFL coaching staff.  As a runner, Pavia provides value right away. Both on scrambles and designed runs, he’s tough and quick in and out of run fits, and he has some downfield juice. He will default to running at times when he should stay in the pocket, but it’s not an epidemic issue. In 2025, 48 of his completions came under pressure on 101 attempts for 551 yards, six touchdowns, two interceptions and a passer rating of 76.0.  Pavia doesn’t exactly look the part. But he does meet the thresholds in most areas for NFL success in a system where he’s allowed to build the passing game around his threat as a runner. As far as Pavia’s NFL transition, Robert Griffin III had this to say to Athlon Sports: “Yeah, you’re talking to a guy who came from one of those spread offenses [at Baylor]. So what I would say is this — if you bring in a guy like myself, Diego Pavia, Joe Burrow was in that spread offense [at LSU], you need to bring in elements of that offense. The days of trying to fit a square peg in a round hole are over.”  Griffin also said Pavia reminded him of what Baker Mayfield has become with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and you could do a lot worse as a comparison. Give Pavia a complete passing game with shot plays off of play-action, let him be a bit reckless and train him at the same time to work within the system. Pavia has enough above the neck to make that happen over time.  In 2025, Pavia completed 267-of-378 passes (70.4%) for 3,539 yards (9.4 yards per attempt), 29 touchdowns, eight interceptions and an NFL passer rating of 116.7. He ran the ball 152 times for 983 yards (excluding sacks), 10 touchdowns and three fumbles.) (3-13-26):  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/2026-nfl-draft-preview-best-quarterback-fits-fernando-meddoza-ty-simpson

2026 NFL draft QB rankings: Mendoza, Simpson, Nussmeier (12. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
Height: 5-foot-10 | Weight: 207 pounds - Class: Sixth-year senior | Projected range: Late Day 3, UDFA.  Where he excels: After two seasons in junior college, Pavia played two years at New Mexico State before transferring to Vanderbilt prior to the 2024 season. He was the catalyst behind one of the most magical program turnarounds in the country over the past two seasons. He finished with 3,539 passing yards, 29 touchdown passes and eight interceptions last season and was second in the Heisman Trophy voting.  His 8.8 yards per dropback was the highest in the FBS, as he can make explosive plays happen with his arm and caused headaches for defenses with his wizardry outside the pocket. Carrying a "me against the world" mentality as an undersized playmaker, Pavia constantly plays the game on edge and isn't afraid to take risks. Pavia displays high levels of poise and has played his best against the toughest opponents no matter the environment.  He loves to extend plays and take chances down the field, as exemplified by his 9.4 yards per attempt last season (second highest in FBS).  Relive Diego Pavia's best plays at VanderbiltAs the career of Heisman finalist Pavia comes to an end, take a look back at some of the greatest highlights from the Commodores' QB.  Where he needs work: At just under 5-foot-10, QBs of Pavia's size hardly ever last in the NFL as late-round selections. His stature makes him an extreme outlier, which could take him off some teams' draft boards. Pavia needs to learn how to operate consistently through progressions, as Vanderbilt's offense included a lot of shotgun-based one- or two-option reads.  He also tends to bail from the pocket prematurely when those early options aren't available. Pavia's mental makeup and competitive drive might convince a team to take a chance on him late in the draft, though. There's no denying the effect that he had on the Vanderbilt program and his role in its dramatic improvement over the past two seasons.) (3-7-26):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/46532548/2026-nfl-draft-ranking-top-quarterbacks-hot-board-team-fits-strengths-weaknesses

NFL Analyst Shares Worrying Prediction on Diego Pavia’s Draft Projection, Calls Vanderbilt Star ‘An Extreme Outlier’ (3-7-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/analyst-prediction-diego-pavia-draft-projection/

"Massive Bust," "He ain't getting drafted": NFL fans react to Diego Pavia working out with Jon Gruden ahead of 2026 NFL Draft (3-6-26):  https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-massive-bust-he-ain-t-getting-drafted-nfl-fans-react-diego-pavia-working-jon-gruden-ahead-2026-nfl-draft

Former NFL QB Delivers Harsh Reality Check to Diego Pavia After Vanderbilt Star’s Performance at Combine (3-3-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/chris-simms-reality-check-diego-pavia-vanderbilt-qb-combine-performance/

2026 NFL Combine Winners For Detroit Lions to Monitor (QB Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt - PFF Big Board Rank: 259.  Pavia made a strong case in his bid for QB3 in this draft class behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Alabama’s Ty Simpson. The Heisman finalist showed excellent touch on his deep throws during the quarterback and wide receiver drills on Saturday night, although his intermediate throws left some to be desired.  Simpson was by far the best quarterback of the group, but he will be gone long before the Lions likely think of selecting a quarterback. The main concerns for Pavia are his measureables and some questions on character, but the talent was on display.) (3-3-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/2026-nfl-combine-winners-for-detroit-lions-to-monitor

2026 NFL Draft QB Rankings: Big Board, Tiers & Predictions (10. Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt:  Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia may not get drafted after measuring in at 5-foot-9 and under 200 pounds at the Senior Bowl. On tape, he's an absolute gamer who is arguably the greatest quarterback in Commodores history. Pavia's competitive never-say-die nature should at least earn him an opportunity in undrafted free agency.) (3-2-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/2026-nfl-draft-qb-rankings-big-board-tiers-predictions-01khrtb89fxq

Grading the best and worst QB workouts at the NFL combine (14. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt (5-10, 207 pounds) - Grade: D.  Pavia’s decision not to run the 40 was curious, given he was a Heisman finalist in large part because of his rushing production (862 yards, 10 TDs). He measured slightly bigger than expected, but is still well undersized. Pavia sprinkled in some impressive passes, but overall his physical limitations and status as a mental wild card make him unappealing—especially given that the QB class proved deeper than it first appeared. There aren’t any standout developmental qualities, either.) (3-2-26):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-combine-results-2026-quarterbacks-grades-simpson-pavia/a12c4f2af4276bdc15f096c0

NFL Combine winners and losers, from Ty Simpson to Diego Pavia and more (Losers - Diego Pavia, QB:  Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer gave Pavia the lowest grade among the quarterbacks who worked out Saturday. Pavia skipped the 40-yard dash before the on-field workout, where he did not flash as much as Simpson, Allar and Nussmeier.  Still, Pavia mixed in a handful of throws that are a reminder of his talent and makes that evaluation more complicated.  Pavia's official height is 5-foot-10, and that will continue to be a talking point at the 2026 NFL Draft. He also continues to get advice from Johnny Manziel, who was a first-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft but also played just two NFL seasons.  "One thing about me is I don't care what people think about me," Pavia said during the interview portion via ESPN.com.  What does this mean for Pavia? He likely will be a Day 3 pick — but the 2025 Heisman Trophy runner-up did produce at a high level for Vanderbilt the last two seasons. He will be one of the most-intriguing players in the 2026 NFL preseason to see if he sticks on a roster) (3-2-26):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-combine-winners-losers-ty-simpson-jeremiyah-love-diego-pavia/b1491b273a60073d643f6806

Diego Pavia’s NFL Comparisons: 5 Similar Players Based on the Vanderbilt QB’s Combine Measurements (3-2-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/diego-pavias-nfl-comparisons-5-similar-players-on-combine-measurements/

NFL combine QB grades: Ty Simpson, Garrett Nussmeier improve NFL draft stock (7. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt: B-.  For any other quarterback, measuring in a 5-10 1/8 would be problematic. But after Pavia measured in at just 5-9 7/8 at the Senior Bowl, the 1/4-inch improvement was critical in helping the Vanderbilt quarterback avoid becoming a historic outlier at the position.  Pavia then showed well in the on-field drills, displaying very good accuracy throughout the session. The Heisman Trophy runner-up was not as flashy as he would be in game action – which was to be expected – but his steadiness should convince a team to make him a Day 3 selection.) (3-1-26):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2026/02/28/nfl-combine-2026-quarterback-grades-rankings-draft/88919786007/

Polarizing QB Pavia not toning it down at combine (2-28-26):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48054269/polarizing-qb-diego-pavia-not-toning-things-combine

NFL Combine Risers and Fallers Day 3: Jeremiyah Love Cements Spot As Top RB (Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia ended the night with a backflip in front of fans. Pavia threw the ball well Saturday—he was accurate and pushed the ball quite well downfield, though several of his deep balls required slight decelerations from the receivers. Pavia has obvious size limitations but helped himself Saturday.) (2-28-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/combine-risers-and-fallers-day-3-jeremiyah-love-cements-spot

How Tall Is Diego Pavia? A Look at Vanderbilt Star’s Measurements From NFL Combine (2-28-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/how-tall-is-diego-pavia-vanderbilt-star-measurements-nfl-combine/

NFL World Reacts to Diego Pavia’s Surprising Admission That He’s Getting Advice From Johnny Manziel (2-28-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-world-reacts-diego-pavia-admission-advice-johnny-manziel/

NFL World Reacts to Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia’s Showing at the Combine: ‘Looks Like a 40-Year-Old Mechanic’ (2-28-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/world-reacts-vanderbilt-qb-diego-pavia-combine-showing/

Live winners and losers from Day 3 of NFL Combine drills (Winner: Taylen Green, QB, Arkansas - The Combine is an underwhelming event under center. Many quarterbacks don't throw, and even more don't care to run, skewing numbers and making for a shorter circuit. Green, who had legitimate room to move up boards, took full advantage.  He set the Combine record for quarterback vertical jumps with an incredible 43.5-inch leap. On the fast track, his 4.37 40-yard dash would be an elite number for any position. It left every other quarterback in the dust on Saturday. Mobility has always been a big part of his game, but proving it's truly 80-grade should only help his stock.) (2-28-26):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-combine-winners-losers-quarterbacks-running-backs-wide-receivers/81ab23f2d1991a33a96cd047

Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia Addresses His Maturity Level After Controversial Moment With Heisman Voters (2-27-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/diego-pavia-nfl-draft-maturity-2026/

In NFL draft, Diego Pavia's 'special' confidence is an asset – and a question (2-27-26):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2026/02/27/diego-pavia-nfl-draft-2026-vanderbilt-quarterback/88897193007/

Diego Pavia Had Blunt Answer for NFL Teams That Might Be Concerned About His Size (2-27-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/diego-pavia-size-comments-watch-the-tape

Will Diego Pavia get drafted? Vanderbilt QB defends his maturity, jokes about underdeveloped frontal lobe (2-27-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/diego-pavia-maturity-nfl-draft-combine-vanderbilt-quarterback/

TWENTYMAN: Combine Day 3 observations (Size questions: Sticking with the quarterback position, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia finished second behind Mendoza in the Heisman Trophy voting but will have a much different path to the NFL. He measured under 5-foot-10 here at the Combine, which will likely concern several teams. "I would just say turn on the tape," Pavia said Friday regarding his height. "It's not like we're not playing these guys that are going first-round, second-round on Saturdays in the SEC."  To his point, Pavia completed 70.6 percent of his passes for 3,539 yards with 29 touchdown and eight interceptions for Commodores in 2025, but his lack of size could make it more difficult for him to have a similar impact in the NFL.) (2-27-26):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/detroit-lions-combine-day-3-observations-lemon-styles-love

NFL combine: 13 things we learned from Friday's activities (2. Manziel giving pointers to Heisman runner-up Pavia. While former Browns QB Johnny Manziel is more of a cautionary tale when it comes to translating college stardom to the NFL, Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia has welcomed Manziel as a mentor as he prepares to make the jump. "He's given me what to look out for, what it's like, how to stay in the process," Pavia told reporters on Friday. "He's given me some good advice, for sure. He always reaches out, too. Checks up on me. Makes sure I'm good. He's just a friend to me. He's given me some mentorship. He's been around me. He's been around my family. He's just a great person for those that really don't know." Similar to Manziel, Pavia has become something of a lightning rod, fueled in part by his reaction after finishing second in the Heisman Trophy voting to Fernando Mendoza. In an Instagram post after the award ceremony, Pavia wrote "F-all the voters ... Family for life." There are also concerns about Pavia's height after he measured 5-9 7/8 last month at the Senior Bowl, well below the NFL standard for his position. He sought to set the record straight on Friday when it comes to perceptions about him. "I feel like there's a lot out there, but I just want everyone to know that what's true about me is I'm humble and I get my confidence from my process," Pavia said. "If you saw how much I put into this, you would see where I get my confidence from." Pavia said he will be throwing when QBs take the field at the combine on Saturday but will save his athletic testing for his pro day. -- Dan Parr) (2-27-26):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2026-nfl-combine-what-we-learned-during-friday-s-activities-in-indianapolis

2026 NFL Combine: Carson Beck, Haynes King among college football stars not to be overlooked (Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt:  Hard to forget about Diego Pavia, right? The Heisman Trophy runner-up from Vanderbilt is likely a Day 3 selection, which arguably puts more pressure on him than almost any other quarterback in this class to make a statement in Indianapolis. The biggest question remains his size after measuring in at 5-foot-9 7/8 at the Senior Bowl in January, and that reality isn't going away. Despite the skepticism, the production speaks loudly. Pavia is one of only five FBS quarterbacks since 2016 to throw for at least 10,000 career yards with 80 passing touchdowns and 30 rushing scores, joining Jayden Daniels (LSU), Sam Ehlinger (Texas), Dillon Gabriel (Oregon) and Bo Nix (Oregon), according to TruMedia.) (2-25-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/2026-nfl-combine-college-football-stars-carson-beck-haynes-king/

Could Diego Pavia’s Draft Stock Be Hurt or Helped by His Age, Experience? (2-24-26):  https://www.si.com/college/vanderbilt/football/could-diego-pavia-draft-stock-be-hurt-or-helped-by-his-age-experience

Seven NFL draft prospects with something to prove at 2026 combine (QB Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt:  The Heisman Trophy runner-up's pre-draft process is already in a precarious position. Pavia measured at 5-9 and 7/8 at the Senior Bowl, failing to clear the 5-10 bar that Bryce Young and Kyler Murray managed to clear. Yet the dynamic dual-threat weapon is more than just a half-inch in height from mirroring the trajectory of either No. 1 pick. Clawing into the back part of Day 3 might be the goal for him at this point, and potentially a lofty one at that. Pavia's fluttering deep passes and impatience in the pocket leave him ill-equipped to handle even backup duties in the NFL. And while the former junior college transfer's grit might play well with some evaluators, he also has to answer for a series of indiscretions, including an explicit Instagram post in the aftermath of his second-place finish to Mendoza for college football's top honor. Pavia's atypical play style and limited physical tools might prove too much for him to overcome, but he has to demonstrate some kind of upside to hook a team into giving him a shot as a developmental option, either in a traditional role or as a gadget weapon.) (2-24-26):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2026/02/24/nfl-draft-2026-combine-players-prove-quarterbacks/88809593007/

2026 NFL Combine Quarterback (QB) Preview (Day 3 Potpourri - Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt:  The most exciting part of Pavia’s 2026 NFL Combine experience is what we won’t see: the team interviews. He will be grilled about his post-Hesiman ceremony comments as well as his overall attitude and demeanor. Aside from his competitiveness and mobility, Pavia doesn’t have a lot of standout traits when it comes to projecting him to the NFL, so those interviews may determine if he gets drafted or not.) (2-20-26):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/2026/02/20/2026-nfl-combine-quarterback-preview

Diego Pavia’s Ugly Draft Fate Looms As Analyst Issues Ceiling Verdict (2-21-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/diego-pavia-ugly-draft-fate-analyst-issues-ceiling-verdict/

Diego Pavia ‘Turned Off’ NFL Scouts at Senior Bowl Amid Height Concerns, per Insider (2-19-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/diego-pavia-turned-off-nfl-scouts-senior-bowl/

NFL Combine Primer: Highest-graded prospects, sleepers, rankings and schedule (2. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt (92.3).  Pavia helped bring Vanderbilt football back to relevance. He was one of six FBS quarterbacks to earn a 90.0-plus PFF passing grade in 2025, and his 7.4% big-time throw rate in the regular season and postseason led the Power Four.) (2-18-26):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-nfl-combine-primer-schedule-highest-graded-prospects-sleepers-big-board-rankings



Hidden gems: sleeper QBs that could surprise scouts at the NFL Combine (Diego Pavia:  Pavia has been the darling of college football over the past two years, leading the historically SEC cellar-dwelling Vanderbilt to relevance as he went from an unknown JUCO quarterback to a Heisman finalist.  Pavia passed for 5,832 yards and 49 touchdowns with just 12 interceptions over the past two seasons with the Commodores, and added 1,662 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground. With him under center, Vanderbilt went 17-9 with two bowl appearances after winning just nine games in the three seasons prior.) (2-11-26):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/touchdown/2026/02/11/hidden-gems-sleeper-qbs-that-could-surprise-scouts-at-the-nfl-combine/88629659007/

Senior Bowl 2026 QB Recap & NFL Draft Stock (Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt:  Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia lost the weigh-in process. NFL scouts knew he was undersized, as it was painfully obvious on tape. The official measurements on Pavia arrived at 5-foot-9 and 197 pounds. That's significantly smaller than what Vanderbilt listed him at.  Pavia was arguably the most impressive quarterback early, but he didn't maintain that form through all three practices. Pavia's timing as a thrower waned on Wednesday and Thursday. There's no denying his playmaking potential, but going undrafted feels within the realm of potential outcomes.) (2-2-26):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/2026/02/02/senior-bowl-2026-qb-recap

Chase Daniel Sends Blunt Message on Diego Pavia’s Height Concerns As Surprise Stats Come to Light (2-2-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/chase-daniel-diego-pavia-height-senior-bowl-nfl-draft/

How Diego Pavia Performed at the 2026 Senior Bowl (1-31-26):  https://www.si.com/college/vanderbilt/football/how-diego-pavia-performed-at-the-2026-senior-bowl


Senior Bowl takeaways: One QB shines above rest (Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia started for the National Team and had a solid game on a cold, windy day in Mobile, completing 10 of 13 passes for 78 yards, hitting on mostly short passes. He escaped pressure to hit North Carolina State's Justin Joly on a nice rollout throw for 18 yards. Pavia had some moments in Tuesday's practice but wasn't quite able to unlock the playmaking ability -- especially as a runner -- that made him a Heisman Trophy finalist in practices or the game.) (1-31-26):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2026-senior-bowl-game-takeaways-2026-nfl-draft

2026 Senior Bowl Practice Observations: Caleb Banks, T.J. Parker Take Field in Mobile (Diego Pavia, QB, National - Day 1 Update:  Diego Pavia made waves for reasons he might not have preferred on Monday, measuring in at just 5’9 7/8″ and 198 pounds. But Tuesday offered him an opportunity to flip the script, and the results were mixed.  Pavia’s best play of the day was a pinpoint touch throw to Josh Cameron on the boundary, and he also flashed the ability to work on-schedule and throw over the middle on second reads.  That said, Pavia’s throwing velocity largely underwhelmed throughout the day, and he also experienced a lapse in post-snap ball security early on. At his size, with his arm limitations, his margin for error is slimmer, so Pavia has to stack a couple of good days.  Day 2 Update:  The Diego Pavia experience is complicated. As a team leader, Pavia has already won Senior Bowl week. His new teammates visibly enjoy interacting with him, and the 2026 Heisman finalist brings infectious competitive energy.  Additionally, Pavia’s highest moments on Wednesday were good enough to warrant additional intrigue. Perhaps his best rep was a play in team drills, where Pavia slid away from quick pressure and naturally worked to his hot read under threat from the rush.  Those high moments were unfortunately marred by miscues. Pavia fumbled a snap early in practice, after experiencing lapses in ball security on Day 1, and he too often held the ball past the optimal time-to-throw. Pavia likely profiles as a backup at best, but he has the athleticism and toughness to lend well in a “safety blanket” kind of role.  Day 3 Update:  Diego Pavia had his moments of situational awareness over the course of the week, but for a polarizing quarterback who suffered from costly lapses in ball security across the first two days, Day 3 wasn’t good enough, and it was in some ways a step back.  Pavia did show off his athleticism a few times, most notably on a designed run that resulted in a chunk play. But as a quarterback, he was nearly a liability. His poor arm strength remains clear, both in sheer velocity and his need to over-rotate, and he was woefully inaccurate when attempting to push the ball in team drills.  Beyond pure inaccuracy, there were also reps where Pavia simply held onto the ball too long, or failed to see the field quickly enough, and let the rush close in.  At the very least, this can be said about Pavia: He galvanizes his teammates. Teammates were visibly fond of him as early as Day 2, and before Day 3 practice, Pavia was chosen to rally his squad during stretches.  His leadership, toughness, and athleticism will earn him a summer roster spot, but his ceiling at QB is clearly capped by a lack of arm strength, field vision, and mechanical consistency. A positional shift could be possible down the line.) (1-31-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/senior-bowl-practice-observations-day-1-2026/

Diego Pavia Fires Back at Critics Calling Out His Size: ‘I Bring Quite Literally Everything to the Table But Height’ (1-30-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/diego-pavia-senior-bowl-height-measurement-reaction/

Diego Pavia College Stats: The Numbers Behind an Extraordinary Journey to the NFL (1-30-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/vanderbilt-commodores-qb-diego-pavia-college-stats/

Senior Bowl winners and losers: Jacob Rodriguez, Garrett Nussmeier rising (Loser: Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt - Pavia's biggest loss came during the measurement, where he weighed 198 pounds and stood a concerning 5-9 7/8. For those hoping the Heisman Trophy finalist might have a good path as a Chase Daniel-like long-term backup, he didn't come close to 6-0 and didn't have ideal bulk, either. He is a longer shot to get drafted now than at any previous point.) (1-30-26):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/senior-bowl-winners-losers-2026-nfl-draft-stock/1e1bd5c453f8c8d4b3499b97


Senior Bowl Day 2 takeaways: Who helped (or hurt) their draft stock? (One Thing We Couldn't Ignore
The quarterbacks. Diego Pavia might have the highest floor of the group but is shorter than Russell Wilson and doesn't seem to be generating any starting-caliber buzz. Cole Payton took more chances with the football Tuesday than Wednesday but still made a number of quality throws, though he remains a potential project pick as a lefty out of FCS North Dakota State.  You already read about Altmyer. Garrett Nussmeier continues to do well taking care of the football but hasn't shown much else, save for maybe two solid throws.Taylen Green's best plays Wednesday were runs that came when he was pressured, along with one deep lob that Malachi Fields laid out for -- but his interception wasn't one of the highlights.  And Sawyer Robertson continues to struggle.  Ultimately, a team will probably buy into Payton, but it wouldn't be shocking if the other five quarterbacks were taken on Day 3 (if at all).) (1-29-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2026-nfl-draft-stock-risers-fallers-senior-bowl-practice-day-2/

Diego Pavia’s Bedtime Routine Includes Watching Caleb Williams Make Impossible Throws (1-28-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/diego-pavias-bedtime-routine-includes-watching-caleb-williams-make-impossible-throws/

Diego Pavia Reveals Johnny Manziel’s Surprise Advice: ‘Do As He Says, Not As He Did’ (1-28-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/diego-pavia-reveals-johnny-manziels-advice/

Draft Expert Says Diego Pavia Can’t Play Quarterback in NFL Amid Size Concerns (1-28-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/draft-expert-on-diego-pavia-not-play-qb-in-nfl/


NFL Draft intel: Who's poised to boost stock at Senior Bowl? (How big a concern is Vanderbilt Commodores QB Diego Pavia's size?  Ahead of the Senior Bowl, Pavia measured at 5-foot-9 7/8 inches and 198 pounds. The lack of prototypical size for an NFL QB hampers his chances of making it in the league. Kansas City Chiefs superstar QB Patrick Mahomes, for example, is listed at 6-foot-2, 225 pounds.  "Pavia's measurements fall under the ideal threshold for NFL quarterbacks," wrote The Draft Network in a preseason scouting report. "This may hinder his ability to see the field fully, which may result in missing open receivers or not seeing defenders who can make a play on the football."  However, 2025 Heisman finalist Pavia — who tossed 29 TD passes in 13 games this past season — is determined to prove his skeptics wrong.  "Whoever takes a chance on me, they're gonna win," the QB said Monday (via The Athletic's Zac Jackson).) (1-27-26):  https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/nfl_draft_intel_whos_poised_to_boost_stock_at_senior_bowl/s1_13132_43388365

Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia Viewed As ‘An Undrafted Prospect’ by NFL Teams Ahead of Senior Bowl: Analyst (1-27-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/vanderbilt-diego-pavia-viewed-undrafted-prospect-ahead-of-senior-bowl/

Video - YouTube · CBS Sports 2026 Senior Bowl Day 1 Practice Recap: Diego Pavia, Garrett Nussmeier, Biggest Standouts & MORE! (1-27-26):  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0DDe-YArdB4&pp=0gcJCTMBo7VqN5tD

Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia faces 2026 NFL Draft doubts after Senior Bowl height measurement (1-27-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/diego-pavia-height-2026-nfl-draft-vanderbilt/

Senior Bowl Day 1: Pavia starts strong; 2 WRs shine (1. Strong start for Heisman runner-up. Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia is one of the bigger names at the Senior Bowl but also one of the shortest quarterback prospects in recent memory after measuring in at 5-9 7/8 and 198 pounds. But Pavia stood tall with a good Day 1, even with a fumbled snap, delivering an impressive downfield strike to Baylor WR Josh Cameron. After practice, he delivered a few memorable quotes during an interview with NFL Network. Asked who he modeled his game after, Pavia mentioned Johnny Manziel, while adding that Pavia meant Manziel's on-field work in college. Pavia also mentioned looking up to Baker Mayfield, saying, "He ain't scared of s---, that's like who I am." Pavia made waves with controversial comments after finishing second in the Heisman Trophy voting to Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza, and it appears he's still throwing verbal haymakers in his quest to make it in the NFL.) (1-27-26):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2026-senior-bowl-day-1-standouts-2026-nfl-draft

Senior Bowl QB Rankings: Who Has the Best NFL Upside? (5. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt:  Diego Pavia made headlines early after measuring in at 5-foot-9 to start the Senior Bowl, which had social media buzzing. While his size raises obvious questions about how he’ll handle NFL defensive fronts, Pavia’s on-field performance demands notice as he led the nation with a 94.8 PFSN CFB QB Impact Score.  A true dual-threat, he can extend plays with his legs and make accurate, efficient throws, rarely forcing the ball unnecessarily. Still, his arm strength and processing aren’t yet at an NFL-caliber level, which will be a key focus for scouts this week.) (1-27-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/senior-bowl-qb-rankings-2026/

Winners and losers from the 2026 Senior Bowl weigh-ins — surprise measurements and new concerns emerge for quarterbacks and pass rushers (Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia – 5-foot-9 7/8ths:  Pavia was listed on the Vanderbilt roster at 6-f0ot. He is, upon further review, not. Only one quarterback has gone through the NFL Combine since 1999 that has been shorter than 5-foot-10, former Miami Hurricanes QB D’Eriq King. This is “outlier among outliers” territory for a size profile at quarterback, which is likely going to end up disqualifying him from a draftable grade from many teams ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.) (1-27-26):  https://atozsports.com/nfl-draft/winners-losers-2026-senior-bowl-weigh-in-diego-pavia-garrett-nussmeier-zakee-wheatley-dani-dennis-sutton/

2026 NFL Draft: Ranking the Best QB Prospects After Fernando Mendoza (8. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt (5-10, 207):  Perhaps no quarterback in this class better personifies the grit, competitiveness and leadership scouts look for in a franchise signal-caller than Pavia, the first Heisman Trophy finalist Vanderbilt has ever produced. Unfortunately, while those intangibles are important, Pavia lacks some of the basic traits also prioritized at the position, such as size and consistent accuracy.  Pavia won’t be a fit for everyone. Given his height, he is at his best in a shotgun-based offense that allows him the space to see the entire field. Pavia extends the ball further than most on his windup and delivery and plays with more of a backyard hero style than a traditional pocket passer. Betting against the former zero-star recruit and New Mexico State star is risky, however, as Pavia has showed intriguing improvement over his college career and consistently performed well under the brightest of lights. There is an "it" factor with Pavia that coaches and certainly his teammates and fans will love. He leaves college as a four-year starter with an 88:27 career TD-INT ratio and another 31 scores on the ground, sometimes appearing to simply will his team to victory. He likely won’t wow scouts during the Senior Bowl practices next week, yet no one should be surprised if he wins MVP of the game itself.) (1-27-26):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2026-nfl-draft-who-best-qb-prospects-after-fernando-mendoza

PFSN’s Highest Graded Players at the 2026 Senior Bowl Include Diego Pavia, Chris Johnson (QB: Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt - PFSN CFB QB Impact Score: 94.8.  Diego Pavia really is one of the greatest stories in college football. His transition from JUCO player to Auburn slayer with New Mexico State and now to being the face of a resurgent Vanderbilt Commodores football team is the stuff of fairy tales. Yet his journey isn’t just a fluff piece for halftime programming or a human-interest article. He’s a legitimate college football quarterback, the best in the nation according to PFSN CFB QB Impact Scores.  The Heisman finalist (he finished second to Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza) led the Commodores to the first 10-win season in programme history, throwing for 3,192 yards and 27 touchdowns while adding 826 rushing yards and nine scores on the ground.  He became the first Vanderbilt player ever to be a Heisman finalist or win the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. Perhaps most remarkably, Pavia accounted for 71.4 percent of Vanderbilt’s offensive yards — no other Heisman finalist topped 50 percent.  His poise, his physicality, his absolute refusal to be denied: these are the traits that made him SEC Offensive Player of the Year and will make him a fascinating prospect for NFL scouts to evaluate this week.) (1-27-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/pfsn-highest-graded-players-2026-senior-bowl/

From JUCO to the Senior Bowl: Diego Pavia is College Football’s Ultimate Underdog Story (1-27-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/juco-senior-bowl-diego-pavia-college-football-underdog-story/

Former projected top-10 NFL Draft pick and controversial Heisman Trophy runner-up highlight Senior Bowl quarterbacks to watch (Vanderbilt Commodores’ Diego Pavia:  After spending time in junior college and New Mexico State, Pavia came to Vanderbilt in 2024 and took the SEC by storm by leading the Commodores to a seven-win season, but there was a lot to be excited about, including a win over the Alabama Crimson Tide. Then, he doubled down and led the Commodores to a 10-win season, and even earned himself a trip to New York City, where he finished as the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy.  Unfortunately for Pavia, things haven’t gone well since his second-place finish. He was caught talking poorly about the Indiana Hoosiers and said, “F*** all the voters.” It was a public relations nightmare for Pavia, and this is a crucial opportunity to change the narrative and make a positive statement. A great week on and off the field could get him drafted.) (1-26-26):  https://atozsports.com/nfl-draft/nfl-draft-senior-bowl-quarterbacks-garrett-nussmeier-lsu-diego-pavia-vanderbilt-cole-payton-ndsu/

Diego Pavia Measurements: Senior Bowl Results Show Surprise Discrepancy With QB’s Vanderbilt Days (1-26-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/diego-pavia-measurements-senior-bowl-results-show-surprise-discrepancy-with-qbs-vanderbilt-days/

Diego Pavia Takes on the Senior Bowl With the Same Gumption That Defined His College Career (1-26-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/diego-pavia-senior-bowl/


Senior Bowl 2026 QB/TE Primer (Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt:   Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia was a huge get for the Senior Bowl. Forever a Vandy legend, Pavia threw for 29 touchdowns and rushed for 10 more while positioning the Commodores in College Football Playoff contention. His athleticism, creativity, mobility, and compete level make Mobile the perfect environment to display his skill set.) (1-23-26):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/2026/01/23/senior-bowl-2026-qb-te-primer-roster

Senior Bowl 2026 Quarterbacks Preview: Taylen Green, Cole Payton Have Opportunity To Rise (Garrett Nussmeier and Diego Pavia Highlight the Senior Bowl Group - The Senior Bowl has a strong history of showcasing quarterbacks who later became NFL mainstays, such as Josh Allen, Dak Prescott, Bo Nix, and many more, sharpening their stock in Mobile. This year’s group may not have the same star power on paper, but the opportunity is just as significant.  This quarterback room is defined by contrast. There are high-upside developmental athletes like Taylen Green and Cole Payton, established college stars who need to validate their projection like Garrett Nussmeier and Diego Pavia, and wild-card prospects such as Luke Altmyer and Sawyer Robertson who could swing evaluations with a strong week.  Below is a deeper dive into each quarterback’s profile and what’s at stake for them during Senior Bowl week.  Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt:  Pavia is one of the most recognizable names in this group, and for good reason. A Heisman finalist, Pavia transformed Vanderbilt from an SEC bottom-dweller into a legitimate contender. After a 7–6 season in 2024, he led the Commodores to a 10–3 record and came within reach of the College Football Playoff in 2025.  His 94.8 PFSN QB Impact Score was the highest ever recorded, underscoring just how special his 2025 season was.  Still, NFL projection is a different conversation. Pavia ranks QB14 on the PFSN Consensus Big Board due to several concerns: smaller stature, a dual-threat-heavy play style, pocket consistency, older age, and reported maturity questions during evaluations.  That’s exactly why the Senior Bowl matters so much for him. This week gives Pavia a chance to show growth as a passer, command of an NFL offense, and leadership in a pro setting. He’s already proven he thrives under pressure. Mobile is his chance to translate college superstardom into NFL viability.) (1-17-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/senior-bowl-2026-quarterbacks-preview-taylen-green-cole-payton/

NFL Stakes Rise for Garrett Nussmeier and Diego Pavia After Senior Bowl Announcement (Diego Pavia: From Feel-Good Story to National Star.  While Nussmeier’s senior season was about managing expectations, Diego Pavia’s was about defying them.  Pavia’s rise began in 2024, when he led Vanderbilt to a winning record and authored several upset victories that briefly thrust the program back into the national spotlight. It was a feel-good story, but what followed in 2025 was something few saw coming.  Using his extra year of eligibility, Pavia returned and elevated his game to an entirely new level. Vanderbilt finished the regular season 10-2, cracked the top 15 in the CFP rankings, narrowly missed the playoff bracket, and watched its quarterback become a legitimate Heisman Trophy finalist.  Statistically, Pavia was unmatched. His PFSN QB CFB Impact Grade of 94.8 led all quarterbacks nationally, and he guided Vanderbilt to the second-highest graded offense in the country at 92.1. By any college standard, it was an exceptional season.  Yet the NFL evaluation is more complicated.  Despite the accolades, PFSN’s consensus big board slots Pavia as QB17. Scouts cite several concerns: his smaller stature for the position, a play style leaning more toward dual-threat than traditional pocket passer, questions about consistency within the pocket, his older age limiting perceived upside, and reports of maturity issues surfacing during the evaluation process.  That’s where the Senior Bowl becomes vital. With scouts from every team on site, Pavia will have the opportunity to answer those questions directly, showcasing growth as a passer, command of an NFL-style offense, and leadership in a professional environment. He’s shown he thrives under the bright lights before, and Mobile gives him one final opportunity to prove it with that Vanderbilt helmet on.) (1-14-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/nussmeier-pavia-senior-bowl-nfl-draft-prospects/

No one is hurting Diego Pavia's NFL Draft stock as much as Diego Pavia (1-5-26):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2026/01/05/diego-pavia-talking-hurts-his-cause/88026014007/

2026 NFL Draft: Updated quarterback value chart (Sixth round  - Diego Pavia - Vanderbilt) (1-1-26):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2026/01/01/2026-nfl-draft-updated-quarterback-value-chart/87979123007/


Hawkeyes Outlast DoresHawkeyes Outlast Dores (Vanderbilt football’s Diego Pavia finished with 300-plus yards of total offense for the fifth straight game, accounting for 383 total yards and three scores, to lead the Commodores’ second-half comeback attempt at the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium.) (12-31-25):  https://vucommodores.com/hawkeyes-outlast-dores/

Tony Pauline’s ReliaQuest Bowl Mock Draft: Diego Pavia In Spotlight, Gennings Dunker Projected As NFL Draft Fourth Rounder (Mixed Bag Prospect Who Could Use a Big Game - Though Pavia had a marvelous season leading Vanderbilt, the quarterback does not project well to the NFL. Measuring under 5-foot-10, Pavia is better carrying the ball than throwing it. He’ll have a challenge against Iowa, which lines up several talented defensive backs, as they often do.) (12-31-25):  https://www.essentiallysports.com/tony-paulines-reliaquest-bowl-mock-draft-diego-pavia-in-spotlight-gennings-dunker-projected-to-be-nfl-draft-fourth-rounder/



Diego Pavia apologizes for outburst after Heisman loss, intends to play in ReliaQuest Bowl (12-16-25):  https://apnews.com/article/diego-pavia-vanderbilt-heisman-cfp-e9779935601ad216b6f6ebdded349db0


2025 Heisman Trophy: Diego Pavia finshes second after sparking dramatic turnaround at Vanderbilt (12-13-25):  https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/2025-heisman-trophy-second-vanderbilt-qb-deigo-pavia/

Is Diego Pavia an NFL prospect? Updated scouting report on Vanderbilt QB for 2026 draft (12-13-25):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/news/diego-pavia-nfl-prospect-scouting-report-2026-draft/9a4ba3eec36f492816f8d7ed

Heisman Trophy Prediction: Ranking Finalists Ft. Fernando Mendoza & Julian Sayin (4. Diego Pavia/QB/Vanderbilt:  Pavia just being invited to New York as a Heisman finalist is a story in itself and a major accomplishment. With his eligibility in 2025 in question, Pavia sued the NCAA and was granted an injunction last December after a judge ruled his playing time at New Mexico Military Academy, a junior college, did not count against his eligibility.  Pavia made the ruling count, leading Vanderbilt to a 10-2 record and amassing more than 4,000 combined yards and 17 touchdowns along the way. He’s a dynamic playmaker who is a lot of fun to watch, yet he’s part of a team that didn’t play for a conference title or participate in the College Football Playoff. Pavia was a great story this season, but he did not do enough to win the Heisman Trophy.) (12-12-25):  https://www.essentiallysports.com/ncaa-college-football-news-flagship-heisman-trophy-prediction-ranking-finalists-ft-fernando-mendoza-julian-sayin/

PFSN All-SEC Football Team Headlined by Diego Pavia, Mansoor Delane (PFSN All-SEC First Team Offense - QB: Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt Commodores.  The First Team offense is headlined by Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia who was responsible for a significant turnaround in the Commodores’ program. Pavia set Vanderbilt season records with 3,192 passing yards, leading the SEC in six categories, including a 171.5 pass efficiency rating and 27 touchdown passes. His 826 rushing yards ranked second among all Power Four quarterbacks, underscoring his elite dual-threat ability that led Vanderbilt to a 10-2 regular season record.) (12-11-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/all-sec-football-team-2025-season/

PFF 2025 All-SEC Team: Diego Pavia, Mansoor Delane and more (QB: Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt.  Offensive Player of the Year: QB Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt - Pavia is the first Heisman finalist in Vanderbilt history. His 92.0 PFF grade is second among FBS quarterbacks, as is his 90.8 PFF passing grade. Pavia is also third among Power Four quarterbacks with 907 rushing yards.) (12-10-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/pff-2025-all-sec-team-diego-pavia-mansoor-delane-and-more

College football: Top 10 quarterbacks after 2025 regular season (3. Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt) - Stats: 3,192 Passing Yards | 27 TDs | 8 INTs | 800+ Rush Yards (est.) | 171.5 Rating.  Pavia powered Vanderbilt’s 10-win resurgence with fearless dual-threat play. His improvisation, toughness, and explosive rushing ability made him one of college football’s most valuable players.) (12-10-25):  https://www.thebiglead.com/college-football-top-10-quarterbacks-after-2025-regular-season-v/

PFSN All-America College Football Team Headlined by Diego Pavia, Jacob Rodriguez (PFSN All-America First Team Offense - QB: Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt Commodores.  Diego Pavia’s remarkable campaign at Vanderbilt stands as one of the great single-season stories in SEC history. The veteran signal-caller threw for 3,192 yards with 27 touchdowns through the air while adding 826 yards and nine scores on the ground, guiding the Commodores to their first 10-win regular season.) (12-10-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/pfsn-all-america-team-2025/

2026 NFL Draft QB Tiers: Evaluating the Top 15 At Season’s End (DAY 3 PROSPECTS - Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt: Pavia was perhaps college football’s most entertaining quarterback this season, as much for his on-field explosiveness as his off-field charisma. Though he’s a Heisman finalist, Pavia, who will turn 24 in February, doesn’t translate favorably to the NFL. He’s undersized at 6' 0" and 207 pounds, and he doesn’t have high-level arm talent. Pavia is, however, a smart, tough, fearless and efficient passer with the playmaking acumen and intangibles to get next-level looks, be it as a late Day 3 pick or undrafted free agent.) (12-9-25):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2026-nfl-draft-quarterback-tiers-evaluating-the-top-15

College Football QB Power Rankings: Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia finishes No. 1, Oregon's Dante Moore up in top 50 (1. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt:  Pavia capped a historic regular season for both himself and Vanderbilt with a second-half performance to remember in a 45-24 win at rival Tennessee. He's thrown for more yards (3,192) and more touchdowns (27) in a season than any player in program history. He also terrorized the Volunteers with his legs while adding another significant bullet point to his Heisman Trophy portfolio. Last week: 1) (12-5-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-qb-power-rankings-vanderbilts-diego-pavia-no-1/

College Football: Heisman contenders entering conference championship weekend (2. QB Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt (+180):  One can argue that no player in college football is more important to his team than Diego Pavia. He led Vanderbilt to a 10-2 record, the Commodores’ first 10-win season in program history. Pavia’s 92.0 PFF grade trails only Sayin among FBS quarterbacks, while his 907 rushing yards are third among Power Four quarterbacks. While Pavia places second on this list, he likely will only be a finalist for the award, as it appears to be a two-horse race between Sayin and the next player on this list.) (12-5-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-heisman-contenders-entering-conference-championship-weekend

Diego Pavia Wins 2025 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (12-5-25):  https://www.si.com/college/vanderbilt/football/diego-pavia-wins-national-award

Heisman Race: B10 Game to Decide Julian Sayin vs Fernando Mendoza Winner (Diego Pavia/QB/Vanderbilt:  Everybody loves an underdog, and most of the nation has been rooting for Vanderbilt and Pavia, the quarterback who made headlines even before the season began. With his eligibility in 2025 in question, Pavia sued the NCAA and was granted an injunction last December after a judge ruled his playing time at New Mexico Military Academy, a junior college, did not count against his eligibility.  Pavia made the ruling count, leading Vanderbilt to a 10-2 record and amassing more than 4,000 combined yards and 17 touchdowns along the way. He’s a dynamic playmaker who is a lot of fun to watch, yet he’s part of a team that won’t play for a conference title or participate in the College Football Playoffs. I expect Pavia to be invited to the ceremony in New York city and receive votes, yet there’s almost no chance he wins the Heisman Trophy.) (12-4-25):  https://www.essentiallysports.com/ncaa-college-football-news-flagship-heisman-race-b1g-game-to-decide-julian-sayin-vs-fernando-mendoza-winner/

2026 NFL Draft Rankings: Quarterbacks - PFF (16. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt Commodores - Big board rank: 203.  Pavia is the kind of player fans rally around — he is an undersized underdog who plays with grit and belief, often leading overmatched teams to surprising success. But at the pro level, he'll face the same underdog status. His size is far below NFL norms, and while comparisons to Kyler Murray or Bryce Young may come up, he lacks Murray's dynamic athleticism and Young's passing polish. Still, Pavia offers RPO and option experience, a fearless running style and the kind of attitude that coaches and teammates respect. He projects as a Day 3 or UDFA type, but one likely to become a fan favorite wherever he lands.) (12-1-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2026-nfl-draft-quarterback-rankings

AP Player of the Week: Vandy's Diego Pavia wins award 2nd time in 4 weeks for big game against Vols (12-1-25):  https://apnews.com/article/ap-college-football-81bf3bdc9ff2433469ad80b785271c70

PFF's top Power 5 quarterbacks entering Week 14 (2. Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt) - PFF grade: 91.9.) (11-29-25):  https://thelistwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/2025/11/29/pff-grades-top-college-qb-week-14-ncaa/87523870007/

Pavia passes, runs for TDs, No. 12 Vanderbilt beats rival No. 18 Tennessee for 1st 10-win season (KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- — Diego Pavia threw for 268 yards and a touchdown and ran for 165 yards and another score to lead No. 12 Vanderbilt to a 45-24 win over No. 18 Tennessee on Saturday.) (11-29-25):  https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/401752791

College Football QB Power Rankings 2025: Who Tops the List of the Nation’s Best Quarterbacks? (1. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt Commodores - PFSN College Football QB Impact Score: 97.9 (A+).  Diego Pavia really is one of the greatest stories in college football. His transition from JUCO player to Auburn slayer with New Mexico State and now to being the face of a resurgent Vanderbilt Commodores football team is the stuff of fairy tales. Yet, his journey isn’t just a fluff piece for halftime programming or human interest articles. He’s a legitimate college football QB. It might be a surprise for some to see his name atop our college football QB power rankings, but perhaps you just haven’t paid enough attention. The Vanderbilt QB ranks in the top 10 nationally for completion percentage (71.8%), passing touchdowns (26), and third/fourth down conversion (50.0%), while thriving in big-game moments, including when it matters in close games and at the end of the half.) (11-28-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/college-football-qb-power-rankings-2025-who-tops-the-list-of-the-nations-best-quarterbacks/

College Football QB Power Rankings: Diego Pavia hits No. 1 as Vanderbilt star leads Commodores to history (1. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt:  Pavia became the first quarterback this season to throw for 480+ yards and five touchdowns in a game during Vanderbilt's 45-17 thrashing of Kentucky. He finished with a school-record 484 yards passing and produced more total offense (532 yards) than any Vandy player since at least 1996. This week's rivalry game at Tennessee is the perfect chance for a Heisman moment. Last week: 8) (11-26-25):  https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-qb-power-rankings-diego-pavia-vanderbilt-commodores/

How is Diego Pavia not the Heisman Trophy frontrunner? Star QB at forefront of Vanderbilt's CFP push (11-25-25):  https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/diego-pavia-heisman-trophy-vanderbilts-cfp/

College football: Quarterback power rankings for Week 14 (Diego Pavia - QBR: 86.9.  Pavia has steadily become a reliable presence under center — making smart reads in the pocket and helping his team build momentum late in the season.(11-24-25):  https://www.thebiglead.com/college-football-quarterback-power-rankings-for-week-14-v/

College Football Week 13: Team of the Week, Player Awards (SEC Team of the Week

No. 14 Vanderbilt throws for a school-record 539 passing yards in a 45-17 over Kentucky to secure its first undefeated season at home since 1982 (NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Graduate Diego Pavia saved his best performance to date for his final home game as a Commodore at FirstBank Stadium, as the quarterback set the school’s single-game passing yards record with 484 yards through the air to lead No. 14-ranked Vanderbilt in a 45-17 victory over Kentucky on Senior Day.  The Albuquerque, New Mexico, native’s 484 passing yards vs. Kentucky breaks Whit Taylor’s 44-year-old program record of 464 passing yards set at Tennessee during the 1981 season. Pavia also matched his school record for most passing touchdowns in a game with five, equaling his 5-touchdown performance vs. Utah State on Sept. 27. The quarterback posted a career-high 84.6 percent completion percentage, as he connected on 33-of-39 pass attempts. The quarterback also added a team-best 48 rushing yards and a score on the ground to give him six total touchdowns against the Wildcats.  Pavia continues to stay hot to close out the 2025 regular season. He has now thrown for 350-plus yards with four-or-more total touchdowns in each of his last three contests. Since the calendar rolled to November, the quarterback has thrown for 1,226 yards with 11 passing touchdowns with only one interception, while he has added 203 yards on the ground with three rushing touchdowns. His 14 total touchdowns are the most collected by an FBS player in November.) (11-22-25):  https://vucommodores.com/dores-soar-on-senior-day/

College Football: Heisman contenders entering Week 13 - PFF (5. QB Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt (+1600)
Pavia’s 91.2 PFF grade is second only to Sayin among FBS quarterbacks. His 676 rushing yards are fourth among Power Four signal-callers, and he’s tied for third in the FBS with a 90.3 passing grade. If the Commodores crash the College Football Playoff, expect to see the former New Mexico State quarterback in New York at the Heisman ceremony.) (11-21-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-heisman-contenders-entering-week-13

College Football QB Power Rankings: Gunner Stockton takes No. 1 after slaying Texas, veteran Jeff Sims rises (8. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt:  Pavia accounted for 489 of Vanderbilt's 544 yards in a 45-38 overtime victory over Auburn before the Commodores' bye week. His 377 yards passing marked a career-high, and his 112 rushing yards were his most in a game at Vanderbilt. He will likely surpass Jay Cutler's school record for total offense in a season when Vanderbilt hosts Kentucky this week. Last week: 9) (11-19-25):  https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-qb-power-rankings-gunner-stockton-no-1-slaying-texas/

College Football QB Rankings by Conference: Surprising Contender Emerges as Home of the Elite (SEC QB Rankings - 1. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt: 97.6, A+ (2nd). Two super seniors who didn’t even start their college careers at the NCAA Division I level sit at No. 1 and No. 2 in the SEC (and top six nationally) in QBi. Both Diego Pavia (who started at the JUCO level) and Trinidad Chambliss (a D2 star last year) are quality passers, but each brings a dual-threat dynamic as well.) (11-19-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/college-football-2025-heisman-qb-impact-rankings/

College football: Quarterback power rankings for Week 13 (Diego Pavia - QBR: 86.2.  Pavia has shown strong flashes this season, and his rating reflects a clear upward trajectory. While full details from recent games are limited, his playmaking ability keeps him in the conversation.) (11-17-25):  https://www.thebiglead.com/college-football-quarterback-power-rankings-for-week-13-v/

College Football: Heisman contenders entering Week 12 (4. QB Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt (+1700):  Pavia was masterful in Vanderbilt’s overtime win over Auburn this past weekend, posting a season-high 91.4 PFF grade. His 90.9 grade for the year is second only to Sayin in the country, while his 676 rushing yards rank third in the country.) (11-14-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-heisman-contenders-entering-week-12

Reranking every Power 4 quarterback after two months of the 2025 season (4. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt - Last Rank: 2 | Total QBR: 86.1 | Pass Yds: 2,440 | Rush Yds (no sack): 691 | Total TDs: 28.  After all he has done for Vandy over the past couple of years, Pavia might have played his best game on Saturday. With the Commodores' defense getting lit up by Auburn, Pavia threw for 377 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 114 more yards and another score. Like King, when he has to put the team on his shoulders, he looks great doing it.) (11-12-25):  https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/46927168/reranking-every-power-4-quarterbacks-two-months-2025-season

College Football QB Power Rankings: UConn's Joe Fagnano surges to No. 1 with run matching Joe Burrow (9. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt:  Pavia accounted for 489 of Vanderbilt's 544 yards in a 45-38 overtime victory over Auburn. His 377 yards passing marked a career-high, and Pavia's 112 rushing yards were his most in a game at Vanderbilt. He will likely surpass Jay Cutler's school record for total offense in a season when Vanderbilt hosts Kentucky next week. Last week: 11) (11-12-25):  https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-qb-power-rankings-uconns-joe-fagnano-no-1-joe-burrow-feat/

College football: Quarterback power rankings for Week 12 (Diego Pavia - Quarterback Rating: 86.1.  Pavia’s competitive energy lifted New Mexico State’s offense, mixing precision passing with physical runs. His knack for making something out of broken plays made him a constant headache for the defense.(11-11-25):  https://www.thebiglead.com/college-football-quarterback-power-rankings-for-week-12-v/

Diego Pavia named SEC & AP Player of the week (11-11-25):  https://www.krqe.com/sports/local-sports/diego-pavia-named-sec-ap-player-of-the-week/

College Football Week 11: Team of the Week, Player Awards - PFF (SEC Team of the Week

Diego Pavia throws TD pass in OT and No. 15 Vanderbilt holds off Auburn 45-38 (NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- — Diego Pavia threw a 4-yard pass to Cole Spence in overtime, and No. 15 Vanderbilt rallied from a 10-point deficit to beat Auburn 45-38 on Saturday.  Pavia threw for a career-high 377 yards and three touchdowns, and he ran for 112 yards and another score. Pavia celebrated after the game by striking yet another Heisman Trophy pose, this time with a fan.) (11-9-25):  https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/401752764

College Football QB Power Rankings: Ohio State's Julian Sayin surges, Arch Manning finally returns to top 50 (11. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt:  Give Pavia credit for willing Vanderbilt back into the game last week, as he finished with a season-high 365 passing yards. It wasn't enough to save the Commodores, but it proved once again that Pavia is built with a rare blend of poise and undying confidence. Thanks to their 24-year-old star, the Commodores are still in the hunt for a spot in the CFP. Last week: 13) (11-5-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-qb-power-rankings-ohio-states-julian-sayin-surges-arch-manning-finally-returns-to-top-50/

College football: Quarterback power rankings for Week 11 (10. Diego Pavia - QBR: 82.8.  Pavia rounds out the top ten with a balanced and efficient season. His strong play has kept his team competitive and showcased his steady development as a leader.) (11-4-25):  https://www.thebiglead.com/college-football-quarterback-power-rankings-for-week-11/

Commodore Comeback Cut Short in Austin (Pavia finished with a career-high 408 yards of total offense, 365 passing and 43 rushing. It’s the most by a Commodore against an SEC opponent since 2006 (Chris Nickson, 517 yards) and a season-high passing total for Pavia. He went 27-for-38 passing with no interceptions, also accounting for four touchdowns. With his performance in Austin, Pavia moves to No. 7 in the program record books for career passing yards.) (11-1-25):  https://vucommodores.com/commodore-comeback-cut-short-in-austin/

College Football QB Power Rankings: Pitt's Mason Heintschel skyrockets to No. 1 amid breakout freshman season (13. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt:  Pavia was his usual, gritty self in Vanderbilt's 17-10 win over Missouri. It wasn't perfect, but he presided over a winning operation. You won't find his name atop the national rankings in any major statistical categories, but the counting stats don't begin to explain Pavia's impact on a Commodores team nearing the doorstep of a CFP appearance. Last week: 8) (10-29-25):  https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-qb-power-rankings-mason-heintschel-pittsburgh-breakout-freshman-season/

Fernando Mendoza pulls away while Diego Pavia closes gap in our Heisman straw poll (Simpson, the Alabama junior, saw his edge over Pavia drop from eight points a week ago to two. Pavia, the Vanderbilt senior, received four first-place votes to Simpson’s one, but Simpson was named on 17 ballots to 13 for Pavia.  Both moved their teams to 7-1 on Saturday.  Alabama has won seven consecutively behind Simpson, who has thrown 20 touchdown passes with one interception this season. Simpson led two late scoring drives against South Carolina as Alabama rallied to win 29-22. He finished 24-of-43 for 253 yards with two touchdowns.  Vanderbilt beat Missouri 17-10 in a matchup of ranked teams to secure the Commodores’ best eight-game start since 1941. Pavia threw for 129 yards on 10-for-19 passing with one interception. He rushed for 20 yards and scored the game-winning touchdown on the ground with 1:52 to play.) (10-28-25):  https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6755080/2025/10/28/fernando-mendoza-diego-pavia-heisman-straw-poll/

Football: No. 10 Vanderbilt takes down No. 15 Missouri, 17-10, in FirstBank Stadium (Diego Pavia did not have his best performance in the black and gold, accumulating just 149 all-purpose yards. Still, the Commodores managed to pull out their third ranked win this season and improve to 7-1 for the first time since 1941.) (10-25-25):  https://vanderbilthustler.com/2025/10/25/football-no-10-vanderbilt-takes-down-no-15-missouri-17-10-in-firstbank-stadium/

Mizzou Must Stop These 3 Vanderbilt Players to Shut Down the Commodores (QB Diego Pavia:  No Vanderbilt player has ever won the Heisman Trophy. Pavia might not be the first, but he might just get the closer than any Commodore has before.  He's a fearless, mobile quarterback who is willing to put his body on the line when scrambling, but also is a smart runner when it comes to evading defenders.  "I feel like every team in the country would want a quarterback like him because he's a competitor. Put his body on the line each and every snap," Missouri safety Marvin Burks Jr. said.  Against Pavia, Missouri's pass rushers will need to do more than just making the quarterback uncomfortable in the pocket. They'll also need to bring him down to prevent any last-ditch efforts from Pavia.  "He's a very headsy runner," head coach Eli Drinkwitz said. He knows how to attack angles. He knows how to utilize pump fakes with the quarterback position. He knows how to eliminate angles, which is really just a savviness. He can get skinny and he can lower his shoulder. He's got all the traits you want of a really tough, physical runner.”  Vanderbilt's offense is focused on gaining dirty yards to stay ahead of the chains, making Pavia a perfect fit for the unit with the way he embraces contact in the run game and utilizes his safety valves on passes.  "He's another year into the system with the cohesion of that group," Drinkwitz said. "He's a magician back there. So we got to be really disciplined in how we tackle. Got to be disciplined in our angles, and it'll be a real challenge.") (10-24-25):  https://www.si.com/college/missouri/football/mizzou-must-stop-these-3-vanderbilt-players-to-shut-down-the-commodores

College Football: Heisman contenders entering Week 9 - PFF (3. QB Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt (+700):  Vanderbilt’s run over the past two seasons has been nothing short of magical, and Pavia is the wizard behind it all. His 89.5 PFF passing grade is fifth among all signal-callers in the FBS this season, and he’s also 12th among Power Four quarterbacks with 224 rushing yards after contact. If he leads the Commodores to the College Football Playoff, Pavia is deserving of at least an invite to New York for the Heisman ceremony.) (10-24-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-heisman-contenders-entering-week-9

College Football QB Power Rankings: Georgia's Gunner Stockton surpasses Miami's Carson Beck entering Week 9 (8. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt:  Pavia's uncanny knack for surveying the field and making the right read nearly every time came through again in Vanderbilt's Week 8 win over LSU. It's fitting that Pavia has struck up a friendship with Johnny Manziel, because some of the things Pavia does are quite reminiscent of the Texas A&M legend. Last week: 15) (10-22-25):  https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-qb-power-rankings-gunner-stockton-georgia-carson-beck-miami-week-9/

No. 17/18 Vanderbilt knocks off No. 10/10 LSU for the first time since 1990 (Diego Pavia played the role of Tiger King on Saturday afternoon at a sold-out FirstBank Stadium, as the quarterback collected three total touchdowns to lift the No. 17/18-ranked Vanderbilt football team past No. 10/10 LSU, 31-24, for the first time since 1990. Pavia tallied three scores in a game for the third time this season, as the Albuquerque, New Mexico, native ran in for a pair of touchdowns to go along with a touchdown through the air. The Vanderbilt quarterback registered 246 total yards of offense, as Pavia threw for 160 yards and rushed for an additional 86 yards, which led the Commodores against LSU. It is the sixth game this season that Pavia has had 200-plus offensive yards.) (10-18-25):  https://vucommodores.com/vandy-tames-tigers/

Diego Pavia NFL Draft Stock Soaring in Latest Scouting Report (10-18-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/diego-pavia-scouting-report-update-week-8-2025/

College Football QB Power Rankings: USC's Jayden Maiava surges, Arch Manning returns to top 50 (15. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt:  Few players needed a bye week as badly as Pavia, who takes as many shots as any quarterback in the country. That's par for the course, considering that he's Vanderbilt's leading rusher and the focal point of the offense. Pavia has guided the Commodores to a 5-1 start with his dual-threat ability and high-intensity leadership. Last week: 17) (10-15-25):  https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-qb-power-rankings-uscs-jayden-maiava-surges-arch-manning-returns-to-top-50/

LSU's Brian Kelly on Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia: “We Have to Make Him One-Dimensional” (10-15-25):  https://lsutigerswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/lsu/football/2025/10/15/lsu-football-vanderbilt-game-brian-kelly-diego-pavia/86694029007/

Will Diego Pavia get drafted? Vanderbilt QB defends his maturity, jokes about underdeveloped frontal lobe (10-9-25):  https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/diego-pavias-rise-the-qb-who-once-peed-on-a-rivals-logo-leaves-his-mark-after-wild-journey-to-vanderbilt/

College Football QB Power Rankings: Alabama's Ty Simpson takes No. 1, Nico Iamaleava returns to top 50 (17. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt: Pavia's pair of red-zone turnovers crushed Vanderbilt's chances of winning at Alabama and soiled an otherwise solid performance in a hostile environment. The dual-threat dynamo remains one of the nation's most dangerous signal-callers, but his Heisman campaign is on hold. Last week: 2) (10-8-25):  https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-qb-power-rankings-alabamas-ty-simpson-takes-no-1-nico-iamaleava-returns-to-top-50/

Simpson, Miller lead No. 10 Alabama to 30-14 victory over No. 16 Vanderbilt (Diego Pavia threw for 183 yards and ran for 58 for Vanderbilt (5-1, 1-1), but threw an interception and lost a fumble. Sedrick Alexander had a 65-yard touchdown run.  Alabama converted all four of its trips into the red zone in points, while Pavia's two turnovers left Vanderbilt without points in two critical situations.) (10-4-25):  https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/401752726

College football Week 6 storylines: Diego Pavia seeks to cement his status as all-time Alabama villain (There are a few names in history that still evoke shudders from modern Alabama fans for what they did to the Crimson Tide. Cam Newton for the "Camback." Stephen Garcia for turning into a "Michael Vick/Peyton Manning mix," as one Alabama friend told me. Johnny Manziel for running all over the Tide inside Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Hunter Renfrow pick-play touchdown that stole a title away from Alabama down in Tampa. If Diego Pavia can lead Vanderbilt to another win over Alabama, he'll earn his own wing in the Alabama Hater Hall of Fame. There's something about Pavia's swagger and that he's doing it for Vanderbilt, of all places, that seems to so thoroughly get under opposing fans' skin. He's the kind of player you adore if you're a Vanderbilt fan and loudly complain about if your favorite team has to play him. He's the closest thing we have to Johnny Manizel, who will be in Tuscaloosa this weekend rooting for Vandy ... in 2025. Pavia has zero problem talking trash, as he did again this week, predicting that if "we play our game, it won't be close." That would typically be a bad idea against Alabama, but he's already beaten the Crimson Tide once and then watched Florida State QB Thomas Castellanos beat Alabama after an offseason of providing bulletin board material. Pavia right now owns the state of Alabama, and fans understandably hate it. It's not just Alabama fans, either.  Pavia has two wins over Auburn (one with New Mexico State, the other at Vanderbilt) and has a chance for a third consecutive win over the Tigers on Nov. 8. An 0-3 record against Pavia won't bode well for Auburn coach Hugh Freeze, whose seat is quickly heating up. There's a real chance Pavia could finish his career 5-0 against Alabama and Auburn, which is almost impossible to comprehend for a 24-year old quarterback who started his college career at the New Mexico Military Institute. If he can do that, Pavia would earn special villain status in a football-crazed state that has a long memory of the players who have gotten the upper-hand over Alabama.) (10-3-25):  https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-week-6-storylines-diego-pavia-seeks-to-cement-his-status-as-all-time-alabama-villain/

Johnny Manziel Mentoring Vanderbilt Star Diego Pavia (10-3-25):  https://www.si.com/college/tamu/football/johnny-manziel-mentoring-vanderbilt-star-diego-pavia

These 6 underdog QBs are lighting up college football, but do they have any shot at the NFL? (Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt: Grit and grind, but short runway - Draft Projection: Day 3/UDFA.  If you like grinders, Pavia's your guy. The second-year New Mexico State transfer is now at Vanderbilt, suddenly throwing darts at a 74% clip. He processes fast, plays fearless, and makes things happen when the play breaks down. Problem is, he'll be 25 years old by draft time, and the frame isn't ideal. Trace McSorley (one NFL start), John Wolford (four) are realistic comparisons. Gritty, smart, can help a team, but not built for a long runway. He'll get a shot, but late Day 3 or UDFA is his reality.) (10-1-25):  https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/diego-pavia-nfl-draft-projection-vanderbilt-qbs-scouting-report-strengths-and-weaknesses/

College Football QB Power Rankings: Ole Miss' Trinidad Chambliss, Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia on the rise (2. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt:  Who knows where the Commodores would be without Pavia taking advantage of an extra year of eligibility. With six total touchdowns in a Week 5 win over Utah State, he now tops the SEC in total scores and ranks among the national leaders in completion percentage (74.6%) and passer rating (184.62). Vanderbilt will need that and more as they face a brutal slate of SEC opponents in the weeks ahead. Last week: 6) (10-1-25):  https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-qb-power-rankings-ole-miss-trinidad-chambliss-vanderbilts-diego-pavia-on-the-rise/


Diego Pavia stats: Vanderbilt football quarterback leads 6 TD drives vs Georgia State (9-30-25):  https://sports.yahoo.com/article/diego-pavia-stats-vanderbilt-football-023945666.html

Diego Pavia has career day, leads Vanderbilt to 55-35 victory over Utah State (Pavia set career-high marks in passing touchdowns with five and completions with 26. He also threw for 321 total yards, his most as a Commodore and the second-highest total of his career. Pavia ties Johnny McCrary, Jay Cutler and Bill Wade at Vanderbilt for the most passing touchdowns in a game and moves to No. 6 on the all-time passing touchdowns list with 33. His second quarter touchdown run made Saturday the seventh time in his Vandy career the quarterback finished a game with both a rushing and passing score. In total, Pavia finished with exactly 400 total yards of offense, the most since Kyle Shurmur generated 405 against Tennessee in 2016. Sherrill’s three touchdowns, all of which came in the first half, mark the most receiving scores in a half for a Commodore since Earl Bennett caught four in the second half against Kentucky in 2005. In total, Sherrill finished with six catches for 91 yards, both of which are also career highs.) (9-27-25):  https://vucommodores.com/commodores-remain-unbeaten-2/

College Football QB Rankings Ahead of Week 5: USC’s Jayden Maiava, TCU’s Josh Hoover Crack Top 3 (10. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt - Week 4 PFSN College QBi Grade: 74.8 (C).  PFSN College QBi Season Grade: 86.5 (B).  Diego Pavia has been a revelation for Vanderbilt, throwing for 890 yards, eight touchdowns, and just two interceptions on nearly 74% passing through four games. He’s more than a passer, adding 86 rushing yards and a score against Georgia State to show off his dual-threat ability. His efficiency stands out with just two turnovers in four games, especially considering how much the offense leans on him. The area to improve is finishing drives and staying sharp when defenses adjust.) (9-25-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/college-football-qb-rankings-week-5-2025/

College Football QB Power Rankings: Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, Oregon's Dante Moore lead surging Big Ten crop (6. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt:  Pavia is right there with King at Georgia Tech on the "he means everything to his team" meter. The soul of Vanderbilt football is on track to top his 2024 production as the Commodores inch closer to the heart of a grueling SEC slate. If he keeps it up, Vandy could match or exceed its program record of nine wins. Last week: 5) (9-24-25):  https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-qb-power-rankings-indianas-fernando-mendoza-oregons-dante-moore-lead-surging-big-ten-crop/

Diego Pavia no Longer has to be Heisman or Superman, He Just Has to Be Diego (9-21-25):  https://www.si.com/college/vanderbilt/football/diego-pavia-no-longer-has-to-be-heisman-or-superman-he-just-has-to-be-diego

Dores Pounce on Panthers (The Commodores scored touchdowns on all six first-half possessions, with Diego Pavia accounting for over 300 yards of total offense and a pair of scores in building a 42-9 advantage at the break. Sedrick Alexander had rushing and receiving touchdowns in the opening two quarters, with Pavia and Junior Sherrill adding scoring runs from 16 and 8 yards out, respectively, before AJ Newberry reached the end zone twice in a two-and-a-half minute stretch as Vandy outgained the Panthers by over 200 yards in the first half.  Pavia also paced the Commodores on the ground with 86 yards on nine carries, with Young and Berlowitz contributing touchdown runs of 40-plus yards to help Vanderbilt finished with 286 yards rushing and 635 in all.) (9-21-25):  https://vucommodores.com/dores-pounce-on-panthers/

Diego Pavia Knows What You Might Say About Him, But He Won't Stop Being Himself. (9-20-25):  https://www.si.com/college/vanderbilt/football/diego-pavia-knows-what-you-might-say-about-him-but-he-won-t-stop-being-himself

College Football QB Rankings Ahead of Week 4: Katin Houser and Taylen Green Stand Out (18. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt - Week 3 PFSN College QBi Grade: 84.6 (B).  PFSN College QBi Season Grade: 87.4 (B+).  Vanderbilt’s quarterback Diego Pavia continues to look like the kind of QB who delivers more than expected – he’s composed, reasonably accurate, and willing to mix it up, not just handing off but really managing the offense with a balance of risk and reward. If he builds on red-zone awareness and pushes more big-play passing, he could surprise more than just South Carolina.)(9-18-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/college-football-quarterback-rankings-week-3-grades/

College Football QB Power Rankings: Texas A&M's Marcel Reed, Georgia Tech's Haynes King surge in top 50 (5. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt:  Vanderbilt looked like a complete team with the supporting cast needed to be a serious menace in the SEC during a 38-7 win at South Carolina. Pavia is at the heartbeat of it all and was great against the Gamecocks. Last week: 12) (9-17-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-qb-power-rankings-texas-a-ms-marcel-reed-georgia-techs-haynes-king-surge-in-top-50/

Vanderbilt knocks out Sellers, upsets No. 11 South Carolina to snap 16-losing streak vs. Gamecocks (COLUMBIA, S.C. -- — Diego Pavia completed 18 of 25 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns, Jamezell Lassiter ran for a 44-yard score and Vanderbilt beat No. 11 South Carolina 31-7 on the road Saturday to snap a 16-game losing streak to the Gamecocks.  Pavia looked sharp from the start, leading Vanderbilt on a nine-play, 73-yard drive to open the game, capped with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Sedrick Alexander that set the tone. Pavia later tossed a 5-yard T pass to Junior Sherrill in the second quarter giving the Commodores a 14-7 lead at the break.  Lea praised Pavia's efficiency under center despite a red zone interception. But he said what stood out to him the most was the block his QB threw for a teammate on a reverse.  “I mean it made the difference in the play and as much as I don’t love those things, I do love them because that’s exactly who he is,” Lea said. “When it’s his teammate's turn to carry the ball, he’s going to be out in front playing physically to set a tone. And when your leaders do that, when your leaders play that way, it gives everyone else a license to play that way.”  Lea went on to say “we believe in him, we think he’s the best there is.”) (9-14-26):  https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/401752704

College Football 2025: Highest-graded players at every position through Week 2 (Power Four: Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt Commodores – 92.5.  Diego Pavia has picked up right where he left off last season with this high-powered Vanderbilt offense. Currently posting a 92.4 PFF passing grade on 48 dropbacks, Pavia has six big-time throws to his name and five touchdowns. He’s also continued his threat in the run game with over 100 yards on the ground on 18 carries. Overall, Pavia is one of the most exciting players to watch in the country.) (9-12-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2025-highest-graded-players-at-every-position-through-week-2

College Football QB Rankings: Beau Pribula and Sawyer Robertson Show Out in Week 2 (4. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt - Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 86.9 (B).  Vanderbilt overcame slightly sloppy play and turnovers to defeat a tough Virginia Tech team 42-20. Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia played with his trademark toughness, helping his team overcome a 10-point halftime deficit. He completed 12-of-18 passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 61 yards on 11 carries. Two weeks of timely throws and robust runs earned him his grade.) (9-11-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/college-football-qb-rankings-week-2/

College Football QB Power Rankings: Oklahoma's John Mateer soars to top as Beau Pribula overtakes Drew Allar (12. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt:  Virginia Tech got the full Pavia experience last Saturday, as the fiery Commodores quarterback helped Vanderbilt outscore the Hokies 34-0 in the second half. As per usual, he inflicted damage with his arm, legs and swagger in an impressive team performance. Last week: 14) (9-10-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-qb-power-rankings-oklahomas-john-mateer-soars-to-top-as-beau-pribula-overtakes-drew-allar/

SEC QB Rankings Week 2: Taylen Green, John Mateer lead the pack (4. Diego Pavia:  Pavia has been awesome through two weeks. He had a rare turnover against Virginia Tech, but that’s been the only blemish he’s had on his season. He leads the SEC in yards per attempt at 10.9 and is second in yards per play at 9.24. Pavia is second in the league in passer rating and third in QBR. Both those rankings are top ten nationally.) (9-9-25):  https://www.louisianasports.net/2025/09/09/sec-qb-rankings-week-2-taylen-green-john-mateer-lead-the-pack/latest-stories/

Diego Pavia the Highest Graded Quarterback In America Through Two Weeks; PFF Takeaways (9-8-25):  https://www.si.com/college/vanderbilt/football/diego-pavia-the-highest-graded-quarterback-in-america-through-two-weeks-pff-takeaways

What's true, what's false after Week 2 of the college football season (It only matters so much how you look heading into Week 3. But considering how much of a storyline SEC quarterback play was guaranteed to be this season, with so many talented teams starting new or inexperienced signal-callers, here's an interesting question for you: If you had to win a vital game this coming Saturday, which SEC quarterback would you choose to do it? Never mind who the best QB will be at the start of 2026; who's the best right now? Here's my own list.  4. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt. Pavia has basically become the model SEC quarterback. The three guys above him here are all similarly physical with their legs and accurate with their arms, and considering what Pavia did Saturday at Virginia Tech, leading five consecutive touchdown drives to turn an early deficit into a 24-point road win, he has a case to rank three spots higher.) (9-7-25):  https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/46186770/true-false-week-2-college-football-season-arch-manning-oregon-clemson

How Diego Pavia Demonstrated Resiliency, Stardom in Vanderbilt Win over Virginia Tech (9-7-25):  https://www.si.com/college/vanderbilt/football/how-diego-pavia-demonstrated-resiliency-stardom-in-vanderbilt-win-over-virginia-tech

Vanderbilt shuts out Virginia Tech in the second half to post a 44-20 come-from-behind win at Lane Stadium (Graduate Diego Pavia amassed 256 total yards, throwing for 193 while adding another 63 yards on the ground. The quarterback tossed for two touchdowns in the win, marking the 10th game that Pavia has thrown for two-plus scores, while it is his seventh contest at Vanderbilt with 250-plus total yards.) (9-6-25):  https://vucommodores.com/enter-commodores/

College Football QB Power Rankings: Arch Manning falls from top 50, TCU's Josh Hoover ascends to No. 1 spot (14. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt:  Pavia took care of business in Vanderbilt's easy Week 1 win over Charleston Southern by completing 20 of 25 passes for 275 yards and three touchdowns. He also totaled 44 yards on the ground, didn't turn the football over and was sacked just once. Last week: 133) (9-3-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-qb-power-rankings-arch-manning-falls-from-top-50-tcus-josh-hoover-ascends-to-no-1-spot/

College Football QB Rankings: Anthony Colandrea and Rocco Becht Shine in Week 1 (22. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt - Week 1 PFSN College QBi Grade: 80.1 (B-).  The graduate QB, Diego Pavia, worked smart on Saturday — he only needed to complete 20 passes against Charleston Southern in Vandy’s 45-3 win. He matched his Vanderbilt single-game high in passing yards with 275 and added three touchdowns to sweeten the pot. He was efficient, confident, and completely in control. An additional 44 yards on the ground and no INTs earn him his top-25 grade.) (9-3-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/college-football-qb-rankings-anthony-colandrea-rocco-becht-shine/

Pavia throws for 275 yards, 3 TDs as the Commodores roll past Charleston Southern 45-3 (NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- — Diego Pavia threw for 275 yards and three touchdowns, each tying his personal best while at Vanderbilt, and the Commodores beat Charleston Southern 45-3 on Saturday night in a season opener for both teams.  “Diego was efficient,” Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea said. “We were moving in the run game, and we were completing passes. It looked exactly how we wanted it to look.” Pavia matched his high at Vanderbilt for passing yards, set last season in a 24-14 win over Ball State. His three touchdowns were the most he's thrown at Vanderbilt since a 35-27 victory over Georgia Tech in the Birmingham Bowl last December. Pavia was 20-of-25 passing without an interception for Vanderbilt. Tre Richardson had five catches for 74 yards.) (8-30-25):  https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/401752679

Postgame Notes vs. Charleston Southern (Diego Pavia’s three passing touchdowns vs. Charleston Southern match his Vanderbilt career high.  All three of Pavia’s scores through the air came in the first half, marking just the second time at Vanderbilt that the quarterback has scored multiple touchdowns in the first half, with the last coming on Oct. 12, 2024, at Kentucky.  Pavia has now thrown for three touchdowns in each of his last two starts for the first time at Vanderbilt, while his 275 passing yards match his Vanderbilt high set back on Oct. 19, 2024, vs. Ball State.  Pavia’s 319 total yards vs. Charleston Southern is the second-highest total offensive output in a single game at Vanderbilt) (8-30-25):  https://vucommodores.com/postgame-notes-vs-charleston-southern/

2026 NFL Draft Summer Scouting: Quarterback Overview (Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt - Strengths:  Plays every snap with maximum intensity and urgency. Experienced in RPO and option offenses; a legitimate threat as a ball carrier.  Comfortable throwing on the move while keeping his eyes downfield.  Weaknesses:  Significant size outlier — even for college, let alone the NFL.  Not a viable deep-ball passer beyond 40 yards.  Relies heavily on first read; quick to run when it’s not there.  Prone to batted passes due to height and release point.  Scouting Summary:  Pavia is the kind of player fans rally around — an undersized underdog who plays with grit and belief, often leading overmatched teams to surprising success. But at the pro level, he’ll face the same underdog status. His size is far below NFL norms, and while comparisons to Kyler Murray or Bryce Young may come up, he lacks Murray’s dynamic athleticism and Young’s passing polish. Still, Pavia offers RPO and option experience, a fearless running style and the kind of attitude that coaches and teammates respect. He projects as a Day 3 or UDFA type, but one likely to become a fan favorite wherever he lands.) (8-28-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-summer-scouting-quarterback-overview-2026-nfl-draft

Ranking the 15 best draft-eligible QBs ahead of '25 season: Arch Manning No. 1? (MIDDLE ROUNDS - 11. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt:  Some teams prefer so-called game managers, who might lack the eye-popping athletic traits of their peers but deliver consistently catchable passes and seem to play well in big moments. Becht got the early start on the competition this year, showing his trademark pillow-soft touch on two deep touchdowns to help the Cyclones blow past Kansas State in last week's opener in Ireland. Pavia accomplished the same a year ago in Vanderbilt’s stunning upset of Alabama.) (8-27-25):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/ranking-15-best-draft-eligible-qbs-ahead-25-season-arch-manning-no-1

College Football QB Power Rankings: Cade Klubnik, Drew Allar top expanded preseason list of 50 signal callers (10. Vanderbilt Commodores - Diego Pavia, Sedrick Alexander, Eli Stowers.  Finishing just inside the top 10 in any good football players/teams ranking would have most Vanderbilt fans shocked if this were pre-2024.  Last season was the first time since 2013 that they had a winning record. While Diego Pavia has quickly become one of my least favorite players with his conceit and arrogance, there is no denying the talent.  Pavia finished with over 800 yards rushing and seven rushing touchdowns on top of his 2,100 yards passing, 17 touchdowns, and just four interceptions — his coming back this year is a blessing for the Commodores. His favorite target is PFSN’s No. 1-ranked tight end, Eli Stowers.  Stowers went from quarterback to tight end, but let’s be clear. The man is actually a bigger slot receiver. While he doesn’t block very often, he is certainly a force in the passing game, racking up over 600 yards and five touchdowns last season.) (8-27-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-qb-power-rankings-cade-klubnik-drew-allar-top-expanded-preseason-list-of-50-signal-callers/

Ranking College Football’s Top 25 Offensive Trios in 2025 Headlined By Alabama and Ohio State (10. Vanderbilt Commodores - Diego Pavia, Sedrick Alexander, Eli Stowers.  Finishing just inside the top 10 in any good football players/teams ranking would have most Vanderbilt fans shocked if this were pre-2024.  Last season was the first time since 2013 that they had a winning record. While Diego Pavia has quickly become one of my least favorite players with his conceit and arrogance, there is no denying the talent.  Pavia finished with over 800 yards rushing and seven rushing touchdowns on top of his 2,100 yards passing, 17 touchdowns, and just four interceptions — his coming back this year is a blessing for the Commodores. His favorite target is PFSN’s No. 1-ranked tight end, Eli Stowers. Stowers went from quarterback to tight end, but let’s be clear. The man is actually a bigger slot receiver. While he doesn’t block very often, he is certainly a force in the passing game, racking up over 600 yards and five touchdowns last season.) (8-19-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/college-football-triplets-ranking-top-offensive-units-2025/

Arch Manning and 2025’s other 24 most interesting college football people (Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt:  Vanderbilt opponents in 2025 will have a common rallying cry: stop, and shut up, Pavia. The last time Vanderbilt football had a player with the skill and brashness to cause such a stir was … when? We might be going back a century to one of coach Dan McGugin’s stars, popping off to newspaper writers on a train ride to play the University of Chicago.  Pavia is out here talking about winning a national championship and declaring Clark Lea’s program is “gonna run Tennessee” in the future. This has to be such unfamiliar fun for Vanderbilt fans. Also, the element of surprise is gone. And the schedule is brutal. But even if Vanderbilt is 0-11 entering the finale at Tennessee, Pavia will believe the Commodores are going to win and will be a must-watch on every snap.) (8-14-25):  https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6553536/2025/08/15/arch-manning-bill-belichick-james-franklin-college-football-2025/

The 40 most important players in college football in 2025 (Grizzled old spoiler quarterbacks - 22. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt: As far as final acts go, beating Alabama and leading Vandy to its first bowl win in 11 years would have been pretty spectacular. But Pavia sued to return for one final year of eligibility and won, and with a lot of the same players around him, he'll try to make a few more memories. The Commodores get shots at Alabama, Texas, LSU, Tennessee and South Carolina, and though only one of those games is at home, Pavia & Co. probably will scare the hell out of someone in that group.) (8-5-25):  https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/45899578/the-40-most-important-players-college-football-2025

College football 2025 quarterback tiers: Ranking the FBS’ projected starters from 1 to 136 (Tier 2 Winners who have proven their mettle. They can carry the team but may have limitations when it comes to certain traits or question marks about their consistency - 15

Exclusive: Diego Pavia Details 2024 Health Struggles, Explains Why He'd Play Through Severe Injury (7-16-25):  https://www.si.com/college/vanderbilt/football/exclusive-diego-pavia-details-2024-health-struggles-explains-why-he-d-play-through-severe-injury

Drew Allar, Garrett Nussmeier lead our list of top QBs returning (No. 9: Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt Commodores - After winning his lawsuit against the NCAA, Diego Pavia is returning for another season with the Vanderbilt Commodores. That is big news for head coach Clark Lea after earning his first winning season with the Dores since he took over as head coach in 2021. He also earned a bowl victory over Georgia Tech to get that elusive seventh win.  Pavia helped a Vanderbilt team knock off No. 1 ranked Alabama, 40-35, and then also beat Auburn 17-7 a few weeks later. Perhaps his return is about bringing Vanderbilt its first victory over the Tennessee Vols since 2018.) (5-1-25):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2025/04/30/college-football-quarterback-returning-top-12/83373388007/

Carson Beck, Diego Pavia, Haynes King among sixth-year seniors to watch in 2025 college football season (Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt:  A product of New Mexico Military Institute, Pavia played two seasons at New Mexico State, where he was named the 2023 Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year, prior to transferring to Vanderbilt. It didn't take him long to make a major impact for the Commodores. Under Pavia's guidance, Vanderbilt finished 2024 with a 7-6 record -- its best showing since 2013 when James Franklin was patrolling the sidelines -- and pulled off a major upset against No. 1 Alabama while playing competitive games against top SEC teams like Texas and LSU. Pavia provided a tremendous spark for Vanderbilt's offense with his play-making ability, as evidenced by his 801 yards and eight touchdowns rushing and his ratio of 20 touchdowns passing to just four interceptions.) (3-16-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/carson-beck-diego-pavia-haynes-king-among-sixth-year-seniors-to-watch-in-2025-college-football-season/

College Football: Top 10 returning quarterbacks entering the 2025 season (8. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt:  The Commodores finished with a winning record and a bowl victory for the first time in more than a decade, thanks in large part to Pavia. The New Mexico State transfer ranked 10th among FBS signal-callers in PFF passing grade (85.0), and his 683 rushing yards after contact led the Power Four. He’ll best be remembered for his performance in Vanderbilt’s upset win over top-ranked Alabama, posting a 92.1 PFF passing grade in the stunning victory.  After winning his injunction against the NCAA, Pavia will return to Nashville for one more season.) (2-13-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-top-10-returning-quarterbacks-2025


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