Many label Diego Pavia as someone who boasts a lot about himself, but he keeps backing up his words with outstanding play. He has led the Vanderbilt Commodores to a 9-2 mark in the 2025 season, including a 5-2 record in the Southeastern Conference.
Pavia’s phenomenal season has also kept him firmly in the Heisman conversation.
Diego Pavia Makes Data-Driven Heisman Plea to Voters
The Heisman Trophy finalists will be revealed on December 8, which will be the Monday following the conference championship weekend.
In an appearance on the “Outkick” podcast on Tuesday, Pavia made his case for why he should take home this year’s Heisman.
“Well, the Heisman Trophy winner goes to the best player in college football,” Pavia said. “I believe that to be myself. You check the numbers, and especially, there’s two things that don’t lie to you. Numbers and tape. And I’ve been taught that since I was young. You go check that out. I feel like I’m undoubtedly, you know, the best player in college football.”
Pavia has thrown for 2,924 yards and 26 touchdowns with just six interceptions this season, while also rushing for 661 yards and eight scores. In Vanderbilt’s 45-17 win over Kentucky last week, he broke the program’s single-game passing record with 484 yards and five touchdowns, adding 48 rushing yards and another touchdown.
That win also secured Vanderbilt a 7-0 home record, marking its first undefeated home slate since 1982. Pavia’s performance in the win also triggered Commodores head coach Clark Lea to publicly endorse him for the Heisman.
“He’s the best player in the country and deserves to be in the Heisman conversation,” Lea said. “He tips the field when he steps on it. There’s only a few players in the world that, when the ball’s in your hand that they can take over a game, and he’s done that repeatedly here.”
Besides his phenomenal stats, Pavia remains a top contender because he powers the nation’s most efficient offense in yards per play. His standout season continues to earn him recognition, as he was named to the Davey O’Brien Award’s Great 8 and selected as a Manning Award Star of the Week on Monday.
Pavia was also honored as the Senior Bowl Offensive Player of the Week following the Kentucky win. His squad now turns to its regular-season finale against Tennessee on Saturday.
The Commodores sit at No. 15 in the PFSN College Football Playoff Rankings and need a win over the Volunteers to clinch the first 10-win season in school history.
