Diego Pavia 2025 Heisman finalist, quarterback who changed Vanderbilt football, College Football Playoff snub, locker room leadership, JUCO to SEC, NFL dreams, rough upbringing, his mom’s viral moments, family bonds and unlikely friend in Theo Von

“I feel like no one believes in me and that’s my approach. I got the underdog mentality and that’s what I’ll have all my life.” Diego Pavia

We headed to Nashville to sit with one of sports’ biggest breakout stars who’s improbable journey has landed him in the national spotlight and on this episode of The Pivot Podcast, we learn more about one of the most electrifying and unlikely stars in college football today—Diego Pavia. Once an undersized and overlooked kid grinding his way through JUCO ball, Pavia’s journey to the national spotlight is nothing short of remarkable as he just etched himself a part of history being named a 2025 Heisman Finalist.

He opens up about how he went from fighting for reps at a junior college to becoming the quarterback who completely transformed the culture at Vanderbilt, leading the Commodores to relevance in the SEC and putting the program back on the map. Despite a season worthy of national recognition—and even securing a spot as a Heisman Trophy finalist—Pavia and Vandy were hit with a controversial College Football Playoff snub that sent shockwaves through the sport.

Diego talks candidly about the fire that keeps him going, tracing it back to his upbringing, the sacrifices made by his mom, and the constant motivation he draws from his brother. It’s a story of grit, doubt, resilience, and belief—proof that heart can take you where pedigree can’t.

From JUCO fields to SEC stadiums, from being overlooked to becoming a household name, Diego Pavia’s rise is one of the most compelling stories in college football—and he shares it all right here on The Pivot.

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