Diego Pavia has never been shy about proving people wrong. On the field, the Vanderbilt quarterback is remembered for his fiery personality and a shocking upset of Alabama in 2024. Off the field, he’s now taking on an even tougher opponent: The NCAA.
His fight for more eligibility has already changed the rules for hundreds of athletes, and it might not be over yet.
Diego Pavia Granted Sixth Year, Fighting to Gain Another Year
Pavia’s legal battle started in late 2024 when he sued the NCAA over the organization’s use of junior college seasons to determine eligibility. His time at New Mexico State and New Mexico Military Institute, he believed, was unfairly cut short by the regulations.
Because it prevented him from playing longer and taking advantage of NIL chances, his attorneys contended that this was unfair and unlawful under antitrust law.
A federal judge agreed. In December, the court granted Pavia a preliminary injunction allowing him to return to Vanderbilt for 2025. That ruling didn’t just help Pavia; it forced the NCAA to issue a blanket waiver for any athlete in a similar spot, giving dozens of players across the country an extra year of football. For many, it was life-changing.
But Pavia and his team aren’t potentially stopping there. His attorney is already preparing the groundwork to challenge the NCAA’s redshirt rule, which could open the door for Pavia to play in 2026, a seventh season, something almost unheard of in modern college football.
Wow, Pavia’s attorney is saying that unless the rules are not found to be subject to antitrust they’re going to stack on a challenge to the redshirt rule and asking for an injunction so Pavia can play in 2026.
Had a feeling that would be the case given some of the briefing.
— Sam C. Ehrlich (@samcehrlich) September 16, 2025
Not everyone is convinced it will work. Former attorney and sports law writer Sam C. Ehrlich says the courts may not even see the case as “live” anymore, now that the NCAA has already allowed Pavia to play through 2025.
I will say: it does seem right now like the panel is very skeptical that the appeal is still a live controversy and isn’t mooted by the NCAA conceding that Pavia will play for the rest of 2025.
So seems like there’s a decent chance this appeal brings us no real conclusions.
— Sam C. Ehrlich (@samcehrlich) September 16, 2025
“There’s a decent chance this appeal brings us no real conclusions,” Ehrlich said, adding that judges have signaled some skepticism.
So What Will Happen? Pavia Confirms Everything on Social Media
Nevertheless, the prospect is sufficient to start discussions throughout the sport. Vanderbilt supporters are excited about the idea of having their feisty quarterback around for even longer.
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As of now, it’s been confirmed by none other than Pavia that this will be his final season playing with Vanderbilt. He took on social media, confirming that the rumors were false and looks forward to playing his final season in 2025.
🧢… this my last year 🤝 https://t.co/B282oKEi5t
— Diego Pavia (@diegopavia02) September 16, 2025
Pavia has already made his mark. He’s not just playing football; he’s forcing change in how the sport operates.
As he prepares for his final season in Nashville, the quarterback who once stunned Alabama will have one final opportunity to cap off his great career in college.
