Diego Pavia left a clear mark of his immense talent with the Vanderbilt Commodores. He guided them back to the winning path, something the program had not experienced since 2014. In addition, he led them to a ten-win season and delivered a landmark victory against Alabama during the 2025 campaign.
Several milestones defined Diego’s impact on the program, which earned him consideration for the Heisman Trophy that will crown its winner this Saturday, December 13. His rivals include Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the signal-caller of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Julian Sayin, and the running back of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Jeremiyah Love.
Pavia’s numbers were also spectacular throughout the season: 3,192 yards and 36 total touchdowns, while adding 826 rushing yards. Those performances led him to win the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and, as already mentioned, to be nominated for the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first Commodores player ever to achieve such recognition.
What comes next for Diego Pavia?
With all the accomplishments achieved in 2025, which have been spectacular to say the least, Diego Pavia has begun to look toward the near future of his career. Without mincing words, he spoke during a livestream alongside Sketch, where he explained to viewers how he envisions his path toward the NFL.
When Sketch directly asked which team he would like to play for, Pavia replied:
Let me think. he said while considering his options, and then added.
Yeah, I would anywhere that needs a QB, but this is where I would like to go.
Without further hesitation, he stated.
Las Vegas Raiders, so I can play with Maxx Crosby.
To which the streamer responded.
No, that’s so you can party.
And Diego added.
I know, but he would control the defense.
This stance may seem logical for Pavia. The Raiders have endured a season to forget and with Geno Smith leading the offense, everything appears to indicate that he will not remain with the franchise for 2026.
It is also worth noting that Diego is not projected to be selected among the first fifty prospects entering the NFL. However, the first players taken are not always the best, and teams often discover hidden gems in later rounds, as evidenced by Tom Brady.
The concern lies less in his production, which was strong, and more in the quarterback’s age. By draft day, he will be 24 years old and will have stops at the New Mexico Military Institute, New Mexico State University, and finally Vanderbilt.
For some NFL teams, this can be an issue, although times have evolved and they may also view him as a more experienced option than a player who spent only two or three years in college.
The upcoming opportunities for Diego Pavia
Vanderbilt’s quarterback will play in his bowl game with the team and will also participate in the Senior Bowl, in addition to the combine, where he will be able to showcase what he is capable of and how he could help an NFL franchise.
What he possesses, to a great extent, is strong confidence in himself, which can work in his favor and draw the attention of a team. That grit and invincible spirit place him in every game, qualities that at times contrast with how cold and calculating other players can be.
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