Diego Pavia Goes Undrafted, Makes History After Being Named 2025 Heisman Trophy Finalist

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia wasn't selected in the 2026 NFL draft.

Pavia became the first Heisman Trophy finalist to go undrafted since 2014.

Pavia finished No. 2 in Heisman voting following a 2025 season in which he helped lead Vanderbilt to a 10-3 record.

He completed 70.6 percent of his throws for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns while getting picked off eight times, averaging 9.4 yards per attempt.

Pavia also made an impact on the ground, rushing for 862 yards and 10 scores.

The 24-year-old's age and size likely factored into his undrafted status, as he was listed at 5'10" and 203 pounds during the Commodores' pro day.

Pavia was ranked as the No. 10 quarterback and No. 252 overall prospect in the 2026 draft class on the final big board from Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department.

B/R NFL Scout Dame Parson compared Pavia to Cleveland Browns passer Dillon Gabriel in his scouting report.

"Pavia started 49 games across his collegiate career," Parson wrote. "He projects as an undersized backup quarterback in the NFL, albeit one with a 'gamer' mentality who will put everything on the line for his team."

While Pavia didn't hear his name called after seven rounds of the draft, it isn't hard to imagine a team bringing him in as a depth option prior to training camp.