In a Heisman Trophy vote that didn’t go his way, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia’s reaction went viral. While Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza claimed the award, the Vanderbilt star dominated headlines. Pavia’s conduct attracted the attention of a Heisman winner.
Cam Newton Chides Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia’s Behavior After Heisman Trophy Ceremony
After Mendoza left the stage and the Heisman Trophy ceremony ended, Pavia, surrounded by a small group, reacted strongly to the voters who had chosen the Indiana signal-caller over him. This reaction set off an immediate social media uproar. Responses were divided, with some condemning and others approving. Among the most vocal critics was Newton, the 2010 Heisman winner, who later addressed the issue on “First Take.”
“Diego, that was classless and that was senseless.”
-Cam Newton (a Heisman voter) on Diego Pavia’s reaction to Heisman loss on First Take.— Graham Baakko (@GrahamBaakko) December 15, 2025
He said, “Diego, that was classless, and that was senseless.”
-Cam Newton (a Heisman voter) on Diego Pavia’s reaction to the Heisman loss on First Take.”
Pavia was justified in feeling disappointed with the outcome. Newton’s comment, however, underscores that as a public figure, Pavia must uphold a certain standard of conduct. Earlier in his career, Pavia gained a reputation for swagger and self-confidence, attracting fans across the nation. Last season, he led the Commodores to an upset over Alabama, elevating himself and his team to the national stage.
During the most recent offseason, Pavia made multiple media appearances on popular television shows and podcasts. Despite his growing fame, Vanderbilt still had more to achieve.
Before the Alabama game this season, Pavia boldly predicted a convincing victory. Following that, Vanderbilt achieved its first ten-win season in the school’s 122-year history. Pavia was named SEC Offensive Player of the Year, and the Commodores led PFSN’s Offense Impact ratings.
In addition, after his success on the field, 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel took on a mentoring role with Pavia. This relationship drew differing opinions, including criticism from veteran broadcaster Dan Patrick, who discussed the mentorship and recent incident today.
MORE: National Analyst Forced To Change Tune on Fernando Mendoza After Diego Pavia Verdict
“It feels like he wants to be Johnny Manziel. I hope he doesn’t want to be like Johnny Manziel. Great story about what he did at Vandy the past two years. You put them into the playoff contention. Heisman vote, just all the goodwill you undid with a couple of social media posts, and you know you’re with your buds, and all of a sudden you put something out there.”
Patrick was referring to Manziel’s multiple arrests and legal troubles, along with substance abuse issues that ended his career prematurely.
Whether Pavia hurt his NFL draft stock remains to be seen. Vanderbilt’s next game is against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year’s Eve. After that, Vanderbilt will seek a new quarterback as Pavia hopes to play at the next level.
