Diego Pavia, the former Vanderbilt quarterback, is gearing up for the NFL Draft on April 23 in Pittsburgh. The 2025 SEC Offensive Player of the Year is scheduled to meet with the Carolina Panthers, who hold the 19th pick in the first round. Pavia's college career includes impressive stats, with 49 touchdown passes and nearly 3,600 passing yards in his last season. After transferring from New Mexico State, he turned Vanderbilt into a competitive SEC team, making his case as a viable NFL prospect. Despite being older than most rookies at 24, Pavia's dynamic play has made waves, including a Heisman finalist nod last year.

By the Numbers
  • 49 touchdown passes over two seasons at Vanderbilt
  • Completed 3,539 passing yards in 2025 alone
  • Rushed for a total of 1,662 yards and 18 rushing touchdowns across two seasons
State of Play
  • Pavia has the attention of NFL teams, as evidenced by his visit with the Carolina Panthers.
  • The Panthers are actively preparing for the draft with the 19th pick, looking for talent at quarterback.
  • Pavia's age and unique skills may create both opportunities and challenges in the NFL selection process.
What's Next

As the draft approaches, Pavia will need to showcase his skills in pre-draft meetings and workouts to enhance his draft stock. His performance during these evaluations is likely to impact his standing among NFL teams. How he performs will determine whether the Panthers or another team decides to pick him.

Bottom Line

Diego Pavia's journey from a struggling program to NFL prospect exemplifies resilience and talent. His next steps in preparation for the draft are crucial, as he seeks to secure a spot in the NFL despite potential skepticism regarding his size and experience. Regardless of the outcome, Pavia's impact at Vanderbilt has left a significant mark on the program.