Vanderbilt football jumped into the college football national spotlight this season with the help of star quarterback Diego Pavia, but before joining the Commodores his collegiate career was almost very different.

Through his play on the field and his boisterous personality off of it, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia has emerged as a household name in college football. His dynamic play style earned him a spot as a Heisman Trophy finalist and propelled the Commodores to their first 10-win season in program history.

Indiana's Fernando Mendoza is one example, as his draft stock has skyrocketed to become a potential first-round pick in 2026. But among the other 2025 Heisman Trophy finalists, there's a more intriguing quarterback name in draft conversations: Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia.

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia revealed that he nearly committed to play football for Deion Sanders.

While in New York as Heisman Trophy finalist, Diego Pavia affirmed that he is playing one more game for Vanderbilt football.

With 37 seconds left in the third quarter at FirstBank Stadium on Oct. 18, Diego Pavia may have had his Heisman moment.   The graduate quarterback,

Pavia is a tricky prospect to evaluate. He’s undersized, but he possesses one of the strongest arms in the class and throws one of the best deep balls of any quarterback in the draft. He’s also athletic enough to extend plays and win with his legs, making him a true dual-threat option.

Diego Pavia wears No. 2 for Vanderbilt football, the same number Vandy signee Jared Curtis wears. What should Curtis do if they retire Pavia's jersey?