Diego Pavia went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, becoming the first Heisman Trophy finalist to slip through the selection process since Jordan Lynch in 2014.
The Vanderbilt quarterback finished as runner-up in the 2025 Heisman voting, throwing for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns while leading the Commodores to their first 10-win season and a ReliaQuest Bowl appearance. He earned First-Team All-SEC and All-American honors, won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, and was named SEC Offensive Player of the Year after a breakout senior year that saw him total 4,401 offensive yards.
Despite those accolades, concerns over his size dominated draft conversations. Measured at 5-foot-9 7/8 inches at the Senior Bowl, Pavia would rank among the shortest quarterbacks in NFL history. Scouts questioned whether his arm strength and frame could translate to the professional level, particularly against faster, more complex defenses.
His confidence, while a asset in college, drew criticism from some NFL personnel. One NFC scouting director told Tom Pelissero that Pavia’s “schtick gets old,” comparing him unfavorably to Johnny Manziel and suggesting his appeal was more rooted in college lore than pro-ready talent. Pavia’s social media post reading “F-All the voters” after the Heisman ceremony further fueled perceptions of immaturity, though he later apologized.
Teammates and coaches painted a different picture. Eli Stowers told reporters at Vanderbilt’s pro day that Pavia was “the best player in college football last year,” crediting him with transforming a program that won just two games in 2023 into a back-to-back 10-win team. Inside the Vanderbilt building, the consensus was clear: Pavia’s leadership and toughness would find a place in the NFL, even if not as a draft pick.
Dane Brugler ranked Pavia as the No. 16 quarterback in the class, noting his gamer mentality and mobility but warning that his lack of size and arm strength was “tough to overcome.” Brugler suggested Pavia could fit as a backup in an RPO-heavy system — if a play caller was willing to simplify the offense to match his skill set.
Now an undrafted free agent, Pavia’s path mirrors that of other overlooked Heisman finalists. Jordan Lynch signed with the Chicago Bears in 2014 but was cut before the season, spending two years in the CFL. Brad Banks, the 2003 Heisman runner-up, had a brief NFL stint before playing several seasons in Canada.
What happens next for Diego Pavia?
Pavia will sign with an NFL team as an undrafted free agent and compete for a roster spot during training camp, likely as a developmental quarterback or practice squad candidate.
Could Pavia still earn a starting role in the NFL?
While unlikely immediately, his skill set could earn him a backup role in a system that emphasizes mobility and RPO concepts, though starting would require overcoming significant concerns about arm strength and size.
