Former Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia to Throw at NFL Combine, Defies Critics

Pavia led Vanderbilt to a historic 10-win season, dismissing doubts about his size and ability.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Diego Pavia, the former Vanderbilt quarterback who led the Commodores to their first 10-win season in school history, plans to throw at the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine. Pavia has a message for his critics, saying "I don't care what people think about me" and that his confidence comes from his hard work and the fact that he's played against top NFL prospects in the SEC.

Why it matters

Pavia's performance at the NFL Combine could significantly impact his draft stock, as teams evaluate his potential to succeed at the professional level. His ability to overcome doubts about his size and thrive against elite competition in the SEC makes him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking for talented, confident quarterbacks.

The details

Pavia, who stands at 6 feet tall, led Vanderbilt to a historic 10-3 season, the best record in school history. He has dismissed criticism of his size, saying "turn on the tape" to see him compete against future first and second round NFL draft picks in the SEC. Pavia has also been vocal about his opinions, including on the Heisman Trophy, which he believes he was snubbed for despite his team's success.

  • Pavia plans to throw at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, February 29, 2026.
  • Pavia led Vanderbilt to a 10-3 record in the 2025 college football season.

The players

Diego Pavia

The former Vanderbilt quarterback who led the Commodores to their first 10-win season in school history.

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What they’re saying

“One thing about me is I don't care what people think about me.”

— Diego Pavia (ESPN)

“I feel like a lot of teams love the tenacity, the fight. The life of an underdog, that's for sure. And, so, they ask questions. But you go back, you look at my record, ain't nothing on my record.”

— Diego Pavia (ESPN)

What’s next

Pavia's performance at the NFL Combine on February 29, 2026 will be closely watched by NFL teams as they evaluate his potential to be drafted.

The takeaway

Despite doubts about his size, Diego Pavia has proven himself as a talented and confident quarterback who can compete at the highest level of college football. His ability to thrive against elite competition in the SEC makes him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking to add a skilled, tenacious signal-caller to their roster.