Everything Diego Pavia Said After Vanderbilt's 'Heartbreaking' Bowl Loss to Iowa

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia reflected on the 2025 season after the Commodores suffered a 34-27 loss to Iowa in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Wednesday.

"It's the first 10-win season ever," Pavia told reporters following the defeat." To think that we had the greatest team to ever come through Vanderbilt, in the locker room, one last time here. Obviously, it's heartbreaking and sad. But you look at the guys and see how much talent we've got on the team, we've got a lot of NFL players on the team. So, I'm excited to see them in the NFL and then eventually for Vanderbilt to get better and then win a national championship."

Vanderbilt ended its 2025 campaign with a 10-3 record, marking the highest win total in program history.

Pavia also discussed incoming freshman Jared Curtis, as the 5-star quarterback prospect flipped his commitment to the Commodores on Dec. 2.

"I think Jared has some learning to do, some freshman growing pains to get through," Pavia told reporters. "This is me speaking two weeks in. His arm is through the roof. He's got everything he needs. He's an NFL player already, I think, if he just learns."

Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea praised Pavia after the defeat.

"All I know is that you want him on your team... I'm never betting against that guy," Lea told the media.

The Commodores faced a 21-3 deficit against Iowa before pulling to within seven points on Wednesday, but ultimately couldn't close the gap completely before suffering their third loss of the season.

Pavia finished 25-of-38 for 347 yards and two touchdowns without getting picked off. He also rushed for 36 yards and a score.

The 23-year-old put together an impressive 2025 season, sitting at No. 2 in Heisman Trophy voting.

Pavia completed 71.2 percent of his throws for 3,192 yards and 27 touchdowns compared to eight interceptions heading into Wednesday's action, picking up 826 yards on the ground.