Updated April 25, 2026, 4:47 p.m. CT
- Pavia was the runner-up for the 2025 Heisman Trophy, ending behind No. 1 general decide Fernando Mendoza.
- He is projected to be a seventh-round decide or an undrafted free agent.
- In 2025, Pavia led the SEC in a number of passing classes, together with 29 touchdowns and a 170.4 quarterback ranking.
Former Vanderbilt football quarterback and 2025 Heisman Trophy runner-up Diego Pavia stays on the 2026 NFL Draft board after the primary six rounds.
Pavia, who led Vanderbilt to a record-setting season final yr, completed second to No. 1 general decide and fellow quarterback Fernando Mendoza of nationwide champion Indiana in the Heisman voting.
Pavia, the outspoken 24-year-old additionally made headlines off the sector, equivalent to when he criticized Heisman voters on Instagram.
Where is Diego Pavia anticipated to be drafted?
Pavia is projected as a seventh-round decide or to be an undrafted free agent.
Two kickers chosen with Diego Pavia nonetheless on board at NFL draft
Michigan State Ryan Eckley punter was taken by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth spherical with the 211th general decide. Florida place kicker Trey Smack was chosen by the Arizona Cardinals with the primary decide in the seventh spherical.
Where does Diego Pavia rank on Mel Kiper’s massive board?
Pavia was ranked the No. 12 quarterback on the ESPN analyst’s board behind Mendoza, Ty Simpson, Carson Beck, Garrett Nussemeier, Drew Allar, Cole Payton, Taylen Green, Cade Klubnik, Luke Altmyer, Sawyer Robertson and Haynes King. He is ranked two spots forward of former Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar.
Which quarterbacks have already been taken in the 2026 NFL Draft?
- Fernando Mendoza, Indiana, No. 1 general by the Raiders
- Ty Simpson, Alabama, No. 13 general by Rams
- Carson Beck, Miami, No. 65 general by Dolphins
- Drew Allar, Penn State, No. 76 general by Steelers
- Cade Klubnik, Clemson, No. 110 general by Jets
- Cole Payton, North Dakota State, No. 178 general to Eagles
- Taylen Green, Arkansas, No. 182 general by Browns
- Athan Kaliakamanis, No. 223 general by Commanders
How tall is Diego Pavia?
Vanderbilt listed Pavia as 6-foot. However, he was measured on the Senior Bowl as standing 5-9⅞. That will play a big a part of Pavia getting drafted.
What have been Diego Pavia’s faculty stats?
In 2025, Pavia was 267-for-378 passing for 3,539 yards and an SEC-best 29 touchdowns whereas additionally main the convention in quarterback ranking (170.4) passing % (70.6), yards gained per go try (9.4) and adjusted yards gained per go try (9.94). He additionally ran for 862 yards and 10 touchdowns.
In two seasons at Vanderbilt, Pavia was 444-for-676 for five,832 yards and 49 touchdowns and 12 interceptions passing in 26 profession video games. He ran for 1,663 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Paul Skrbina is a sports activities enterprise reporter overlaying the Predators, Titans, Nashville SC, native faculties and native sports activities for The Tennessean. Reach him at pskrbina@tennessean.com and on the X platform (previously often known as Twitter) @paulskrbina.
