Diego Pavia’s unforgettable performance against Auburn didn’t just lift Vanderbilt to a season-defining overtime win; it cemented his place in college football history.
The dual-threat quarterback produced one of the most well-rounded games ever by an FBS passer, completing 25-of-33 passes (75.8%) for 377 yards, three touchdowns, alongside 112 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.
Diego Pavia Etches History as He Powers Vanderbilt to Comeback Win
Pavia became just the fourth FBS quarterback since 1995 — and the first since 2014 — to record at least 375 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, a 75% completion rate, 100 rushing yards, and a rushing touchdown in a single game.
Diego Pavia in Vandy’s OT win vs Auburn:
• 25-33 comp-att (75.8%)
• 377 yds
• 3 TD
• 112 rush yds
• rush TDIt’s the FIRST game for an FBS QB since 2014 (4th ever since 1995) w/:
• 375+ pass yds
• 3+ pass TD
• 75%+ comp
• 100+ rush yds
• 1+ rush TDGamer. pic.twitter.com/DQKevGOcQH
— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) November 9, 2025
This wasn’t just a stat-stuffing outing; it was a season-saving performance. Vanderbilt trailed 20-10 at halftime, facing elimination from College Football Playoff contention. Pavia responded by orchestrating a 28-point second half, forcing overtime and guiding the Commodores to a thrilling victory.
Even more impressive, he accomplished it against an Auburn defense ranked 15th nationally by PFSN with an 86.0 defensive grade. Pavia’s composure under pressure, decision-making in the passing game, and relentless running ability left the Tigers scrambling for answers as Vanderbilt stormed back to seize momentum late.
Even more impressive, he accomplished it against an Auburn defense ranked 15th in PFSN’s Defense Impact metric with an 86.0 grade. Pavia’s composure under pressure, decision-making in the passing game, and relentless running ability left the Tigers scrambling for answers as Vanderbilt stormed back to seize momentum late.
From Overlooked Recruit to Heisman Contender
Pavia’s rise has been as improbable as it is inspiring. Once an overlooked recruit, he began his college career at the New Mexico Military Institute (2020-2021) and then transferred to New Mexico State, where he showed flashes of greatness. His transfer to Vanderbilt has completely rewritten his narrative and the program’s.
He’s now led Vanderbilt’s offense to a 92.5 PFSN grade, ranking third nationally, trailing only Washington and Indiana. Pavia’s dynamic playmaking and relentless energy have made him the heartbeat of a Commodores team few expected to contend at this level.
Before the Auburn matchup, Pavia’s Heisman odds were +4000, tied for fifth among multiple contenders. After this historic performance, expect those odds to rise sharply as he continues to ascend on the national stage.
With Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza posting his own Heisman-caliber comeback earlier that day, Pavia’s performance felt like a direct response — a statement that the race for college football’s top honor is far from decided.
