Vanderbilt football quarterback Diego Pavia’s attorney was reportedly ‘setting the stage to challenge for’ a seventh year of eligibility, according to On3. According to Sam C. Ehrlich, Pavia’s attorney is saying ‘unless the rules are not found to be subject to antitrust they’re going to stack on a challenge to the redshirt rule and asking for an injunction so Pavia can play in 2026.’
However, later on Tuesday, Pavia retorted by saying that this will be his final year of college ball. This all comes after he already was granted a sixth year of eligibility, which in turn has allowed notable Tennessee players such as tight end Miles Kitselman and running back Star Thomas playing this year.
If Pavia was to compete next year, it’d be his third at Vanderbilt and seventh at the college level. In 2024, his first with the Commodores, he threw for 2,293 yards, 20 touchdowns and four interceptions. He also ran for 800 yards and eight scores.
Against Tennessee in Nashville, Pavia struggled to find his footing. He threw for 104 yards on just eight completions with a touchdown and an interception. He ran for 45 yards, as well.
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So far this year, Pavia has thrown for 645 yards, seven touchdowns and two picks. He has run for 129 yards and no scores. Vanderbilt is off to a 3-0 start to the year and has made its debut in the AP Poll at No. 20.
Prior to his time with the Commodores, Pavia spent a pair of seasons at New Mexico State. In 2023, before transferring to Vanderbilt, he won Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year. With NMSU, Pavia played alongside Vols running back, Thomas.
In 2020 and 2021, Pavia played at New Mexico Military Institute at the junior college level.
This year, Tennessee will meet Vanderbilt in Knoxville for the final game of the regular season. Kickoff is scheduled for the afternoon, but with no set time, on Nov. 29. There is currently no TV designation.
