Diego Pavia Gets Rookie Minicamp Invite from Ravens
Diego Pavia has a new opportunity ahead of him.
Despite being a highly discussed Heisman finalist who went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, Pavia received an invitation to rookie minicamp from the Baltimore Ravens.
This marks the first time since Jordan Lynch from Northern Illinois in 2014 that an undrafted Heisman finalist is getting a chance. Lynch had a similar invite with the Chicago Bears but ended up being waived during preseason without playing in the NFL.
Pavia, standing at 5-foot-10, will participate in the Ravens’ rookie minicamp next weekend, as reported by Adam Schefter.
Deion Sanders, head coach at Colorado and a Pro Football Hall of Famer, expressed his support for the young player. He encouraged Pavia, saying, “I believe in you, my man! Stay strong and don’t let your guard down.” Sanders shared this message on social media while tagging Pavia.
His words continued with, “Show them this time and never let them forget. Lots of love and God bless you.”
Pavia is known for his dynamic playing style, versatility, and confident demeanor. He had a notable college career, playing first at New Mexico State University and then at Vanderbilt University.
During his time at Vanderbilt, he became well-known, especially in 2025, where he achieved an SEC-leading completion percentage of 70.6%, along with 29 passing touchdowns and a league-high of eight interceptions.
On the ground, he made a significant impact as well, rushing 167 times for 862 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns. Pavia notably led Vanderbilt to a victory over then-No. 1 Alabama on October 5, 2024, throwing for 252 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 56 yards on 20 carries.
Prior to his stint at Vanderbilt, at New Mexico State, Pavia was named the 2023 Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year. He recorded 2,673 passing yards and 26 touchdowns, with nine interceptions and 923 rushing yards on 176 carries.
In Baltimore, Pavia will be joining a quarterback group that features MVP Lamar Jackson and long-time backup Tyler Huntley.
