Former Vanderbilt University quarterback Diego Pavia didn’t get selected during the 2026 NFL Draft — even though he was preparing to.
Pavia was still waiting to hear what team he would be joining during the final day of the NFL Draft in April 2026. The football player hosted a Draft Day party with friends and family in Tennessee, according to photos shared on social media, but never got a call.
The Atlantic reported after the draft that Pavia is the first Heisman Trophy finalist since Jordan Lynch in 2014 to go undrafted. Pavia was up for the Heisman alongside Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin. (Mendoza took home the win, making history for the IU Hoosiers with their first-ever Heisman, and was the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.)
Pavia took to social media to share his feelings following the loss, writing, “F-All the voters.” He later apologized for the post.
Keep scrolling for everything to know about Pavia:
Who Is Diego Pavia and Why Is He Controversial?
Pavia has become known as a rather controversial football player through the years. Following his Heisman Trophy loss, Pavis was spotted in a club standing near a sign that read, “F*** Indiana,” receiving backlash from football fans.
While playing for New Mexico State in 2023, a video published by a local New Mexico outlet showed Pavia urinating on the University of New Mexico logo at their indoor practice facility. He later confirmed the incident during a 2025 interview on the “Bussin’ With the Boys” podcast.
What College Did Diego Pavia Play For?
Pavis started off his college career at the New Mexico Military Institute, a junior college, where he played from 2020 to 2021 before transferring to New Mexico State. He played at New Mexico State from 2022 to 2023 and transferred to Vanderbilt University for the 2024 to 2025 season.
What Did Diego Pavia Say About Losing the Heisman Trophy?
Following the Heisman Trophy controversy, Pavia addressed his comments at the 2026 Combine. Pavia claimed NFL teams have not shown concern about what he’s posted on social media.
“I just think, not that they don’t care or whatever, but they kind of know the situation already,” Pavia said at the time. “One thing about me is I don’t care what people think about me. God has a plan for me regardless.”
Was Diego Pavia Drafted to the NFL?
No. When the 2026 NFL Draft took place, Pavia was not drafted by any of the 32 teams in the league. However, he reportedly later accepted an invitation to attend a Baltimore Ravens rookie minicamp.
