Former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia grabbed the headlines when he went undrafted during the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh last week. Pavia, who finished just behind former Indiana Hoosiers quarterback and No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza in the Heisman Trophy voting, became the first finalist in 12 years to go undrafted.
David Ubben Weighs In on Diego Pavia’s NFL Snub
During Monday’s segment of the “Bunch Formation” podcast, analyst David Ubben weighed in on Pavia’s controversial draft snub and whether he can carve out a special role in the NFL in the future.
“He’s generously 5’9,” Ubben said. “I would be nervous betting against Diego Pavia to find a sort of Taysom Hill kind of like role where he’s a sledgehammer in short yardage, but can also throw it. The idea of a creative coach finding a spot for him because he’s a juice man, he gets people going. I wouldn’t bet against him finding a niche somewhere in the NFL.”
Pavia’s NFL career got a lifeline when he was invited to the Baltimore Ravens’ rookie minicamp alongside former UConn Huskies quarterback Joe Fagnano, who also went undrafted. The Ravens have an open QB3 spot on their roster behind Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley.
Pat McAfee Suggests the UFL as an Alternative for Diego Pavia
Pavia received an outpouring of support after the NFL draft snub, and in a lengthy post on X on Sunday, ESPN analyst Pat McAfee suggested that, should all NFL avenues prove futile, Pavia should pivot to the United Football League.
“I loved what Diego Pavia did for college ball, just an absolute sensation,” McAfee tweeted. “I think a lot of what made him fantastic for College was also gonna be what held him back as an NFL “prospect”.. Size, speed, style of play, personality.. you name it, all of it PERFECT for college not necessarily the prototypical NFL “prospect.”
“If he gets in a building and finds success I’d be pumped for him and his family. If it doesn’t work out.. is he not the UFL QB Blueprint? Recognizable name, can move, not scared to promote.”
Pavia was one of the most polarizing prospects in college football, as he led the Commodores’ ascendancy in college football, including a famous win against the Alabama Crimson Tide in Nashville in 2024. He led Vanderbilt to a 17-9 record in his two seasons under center, including a 10-3 record last year.
He earned a PFSN College QB Impact score of 94.8, the best in the country last season, after tallying 3,539 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions, while adding 862 rushing yards, resulting in 10 scores.
