Diego Pavia Will Play in 2026 Senior Bowl, What Is Vanderbilt QB's NFL Draft Stock?

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia will participate in the 2026 Senior Bowl as he looks to boost his NFL draft stock.

The Panini Senior Bowl announced Tuesday that Pavia has accepted an invitation to the game.

Pavia had one of the best seasons ever by a Vanderbilt player. He threw for 3,192 yards, 27 touchdowns and eight interceptions while adding 826 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.

He was named a Heisman Trophy finalist on Monday, and if he wins the award, it will be a first for the Commodores. Vandy finished a program best 10-2 this season.

While Pavia has had an outstanding campaign with Vanderbilt, he's not exactly a coveted draft prospect. He is not listed on the latest big board from Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department and is not included on ESPN's Mel Kiper's big board.

His lack of draft stock likely has less to do with his talent and more to do with his age. Pavia started his college career in 2021 at New Mexico Military Institute, spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons with New Mexico State and played for Vanderbilt the last two years. Given his non-traditional route, Pavia will be 24 when the draft rolls around.

Still, Pavia still has the Senior Bowl, Vanderbilt's bowl game and the NFL combine to make his case to be drafted.