Latest News (EN)

Former Vanderbilt player Diego Pavia gains recognition and chance with Ravens

By Maria • May 14, 2026 • 3 min de leitura
WhatsApp Twitter Facebook Follow on Google E-mail
Vanderbilt Diego Pavia
Photo: Vanderbilt Diego Pavia - Instagram

Diego Pavia won the award from Atleta Amador Masculino of Ano of Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. The honor came days after the Vanderbilt quarterback signed as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens.

The announcement took place this week and highlights the 24-year-old’s historic season with Commodores. Pavia led the team to 10 wins, the first double-digit mark in program history. Ele also contributed to wins against ranked SEC teams, including a triumph over Alabama.

Temporada record at Vanderbilt

Pavia completed 267 of 378 passes for 3,539 yards, 29 touchdowns and eight interceptions. On the ground, he totaled 862 yards and 10 touchdowns on 167 carries. The numbers helped Commodores finish with four wins against ranked conference opponents.

Ele finished second in voting to Heisman Trophy and took the SEC’s Jogador Ofensivo award from Ano. Performance also included Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. Antes Furthermore, the quarterback had already played in New Mexico State and built a reputation as a JUCO player who exceeded expectations.

  • 267 passes completed out of 378 attempts
  • 3,539 passing yards and 29 touchdowns
  • 862 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns
  • Primeira 10-win season in Vanderbilt history
  • Quatro Wins Against Ranked SEC Teams

Repercussão after the draft

Pavia was not selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. The process sparked criticism on social media regarding his height, attitude and arm strength. A screenshot of the supposed post on Instagram was circulated but was never confirmed as his. Ele had already publicly apologized for another moment online after losing Heisman.

Apesar from the noise, the quarterback remained focused. Hall’s award from Fama brought attention back to what he produced on the field. Chairman Harold Graeter highlighted that the honorees represent the best of Tennessee’s sporting tradition, from legends to rising stars.

Contrato with Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens signed Pavia to a three-year contract as an undrafted free agent. The team had initially invited the quarterback to the rookie minicamp on a tryout basis, but opted for a direct contract. Ele will compete for a spot as the third quarterback option.

Coach Jesse Minter commented that Pavia has had learning experiences that he can take advantage of. Ele highlighted the dedication shown by those who worked with the player at Vanderbilt, with early arrival and daily hard work. The rookie’s starting salary is in the range of $885,000 to just over $1 million, well below NIL’s college earnings, estimated at around $2.5 million last season.

What the future holds in the NFL

Pavia is around 1.77 m tall and weighs 93 kg. Ele never fit the traditional physical mold of quarterbacks in the league, but he showed the ability to improvise and create plays. Em Baltimore, he will have a chance to compete in an environment that has historically developed undrafted rookies.

His journey has included overcoming since his walk-on days. The chip on his shoulder, fueled by constant doubts, served as fuel in Vanderbilt and now accompanies the beginning of his professional career.

Ficha Technique of Diego Pavia in 2025

  • Idade: 24 years old
  • Universidade: Vanderbilt (and New Mexico State before)
  • Altura/weight: about 1.77 m / 93 kg
  • Principais awards: 2nd in SEC’s Heisman, Jogador Ofensivo, Ano, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm
  • Estatísticas college career totals: 10,000+ combined air yards across multiple seasons

The state award and the contract with Ravens complete a cycle of ups and downs. Pavia now has the opportunity to prove himself on the field at the professional level.