Diego Pavia Goes Undrafted in 2026 NFL Draft
Diego Pavia, the quarterback from Vanderbilt University, will have to bide his time before he can address skeptics after he went undrafted in the recent NFL Draft held in Pittsburgh. This weekend’s event marked a notable point as Pavia became the first Heisman Trophy finalist to go undrafted since 2014, which is, you know, kind of surprising.
There was some uncertainty leading up to the draft about where he might land, but his undrafted status certainly raised eyebrows. Pavia had paid a visit to the Panthers earlier this month, and earlier this week, NFL Insider Adam Schefter mentioned that other teams were also showing interest in him.
Last season, Pavia had a standout performance. He was a Heisman runner-up, threw for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns, and led Vanderbilt to a bowl game appearance, achieving the team’s first-ever 10-win season. It’s quite a turnaround from previous years, really.
On top of that, he earned several accolades, including being named a first-team All-SEC and All-American. He also took home the SEC Offensive Player of the Year award and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, recognizing him as the best senior quarterback in college football. It’s a bit impressive, if you ask me.
The 5-foot-10 quarterback had previously been named the SEC Rookie of the Year in 2024, immediately after transferring from New Mexico State. Pavia really turned around a program that had not performed well just a few seasons prior—two wins in 2023, seven in 2024, and then ten last season.
Vanderbilt teammate Eli Stowers commented on Pavia’s impact at the pro day, noting, “He led the nation in total yards. I mean, he won 10 games and took us from 2-10 the year before to a point where we won our second straight championship.” That’s quite the praise, right?
However, some doubt lingered regarding how Pavia’s skills would translate to the professional level. There were concerns about his height and whether he could perform effectively against tougher competition.
His confidence, while a strength, has also landed him in some hot water. He once told reporters, “One thing about me is that I don’t care what people think about me.” That sentiment can sometimes backfire, you know? After the Heisman ceremony, a controversial social media post where he expressed frustration at voters led to some backlash, although he later apologized.
A scouting director, reflecting on Pavia, described him as someone who may carry a bit of a mixed reputation. They remarked, “A little bit of Johnny Football. It’s more of a legend or a college bull than any real mystique.” It sounds like there are doubts about his talent and future in the NFL, suggesting he may bounce between teams as he attempts to establish himself.
