Diego Pavia has scripted one of the most remarkable underdog tales in recent college football history. The dynamic quarterback has single-handedly resurrected the Vanderbilt Commodores program, leading them to a stellar 10-2 record in the 2025 season and finishing as the runner-up for the prestigious Heisman Trophy. As he prepares for the ReliaQuest Bowl against Iowa on December 31, 2025, a major question looms: will this be his final appearance in college colours?
The Meteoric Rise of a Dual-Threat Quarterback
Pavia's journey to stardom was anything but conventional. His path wound through the New Mexico Military Institute and New Mexico State before he finally found a home at Vanderbilt in 2024. His arrival in the tough Southeastern Conference (SEC) marked a turning point. Known for his exceptional toughness and elite playmaking ability, Pavia transformed a struggling Vanderbilt squad into a genuine contender, capturing national attention.
The 2025 campaign was his masterpiece. Pavia put up staggering numbers, completing 71.2% of his passes for 3,192 yards and 27 touchdowns, with only eight interceptions. His dual-threat capability was on full display as he also rushed for 826 yards and nine additional scores. This explosive performance was the engine behind Vanderbilt's best season in years and earned him second place in the Heisman voting, behind only Indiana's Fernando Mendoza.
The Complex Battle Over Eligibility
The shadow over Pavia's future stems from a complicated NCAA eligibility clock. He has already participated in six seasons of college football: two at the junior college level (2020-21) and four in the Football Bowl Subdivision (2022-23 at New Mexico State, 2024-25 at Vanderbilt). Standard NCAA rules typically limit athletes to four seasons within a five-year window, with junior college time counting against that limit.
However, Pavia is at the centre of a significant legal challenge. In December 2024, he won a preliminary injunction that allowed him to play the 2025 season. He is arguing that the NCAA's eligibility rules, which count his junior college years, violate antitrust laws. His lawsuit, which now includes 26 other former JUCO players, seeks to permanently exclude junior college seasons from the eligibility count.
A recent court filing pointed to the NCAA's decision to grant full eligibility to basketball player James Nnaji, a former NBA draft pick who joined Baylor, as evidence of inconsistent application of rules. While this lawsuit continues and may even challenge redshirt rules, no final ruling has been made that would grant Pavia eligibility for the 2026 season.
Diego Pavia's Complete Division I Statistics
2022 (New Mexico State): 101/190 passes (53.2%) for 1,450 yards, 13 TDs, 6 INTs; 93 rushes for 508 yards, 6 TDs.
2023 (New Mexico State): 221/366 passes (60.4%) for 2,973 yards, 26 TDs, 9 INTs; 177 rushes for 923 yards, 7 TDs.
2024 (Vanderbilt): 177/298 passes (59.4%) for 2,293 yards, 20 TDs, 4 INTs; 193 rushes for 801 yards, 8 TDs.
2025 (Vanderbilt): 242/340 passes (71.2%) for 3,192 yards, 27 TDs, 8 INTs; 152 rushes for 826 yards, 9 TDs.
What Lies Ahead for the Vanderbilt Star?
Despite the ongoing legal battle, all signs point to Pavia moving on to the professional ranks. Multiple reports indicate he plans to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, treating the 2025 season as his final college chapter. He has already accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl, a premier showcase event for NFL prospects, to enhance his draft stock.
Therefore, the ReliaQuest Bowl is widely expected to be his farewell game for the Vanderbilt Commodores. Even if his lawsuit eventually succeeds and opens the door for 2026 eligibility for other JUCO transfers, Pavia appears firmly focused on the next level. His legacy, however, extends beyond the field; his legal fight could potentially reshape NCAA transfer rules for future junior college athletes across the United States.
