Former Vanderbilt star Diego Pavia’s draft night ended in disappointment, but the conversation around his future is only just beginning. The 24-year-old quarterback, who finished as a Heisman Trophy finalist, surprisingly went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Despite elite college production and national recognition, none of the 32 teams used one of the 257 picks on him. The decision has raised massive debate about how NFL teams evaluate QBs who don’t fit traditional molds. Now, Pat McAfee has weighed in with a take that shifts the focus entirely beyond the NFL.
Pat McAfee Suggests UFL Path as Ideal Fit for Diego Pavia
McAfee praised Pavia’s impact during college on social media but also explained why that success may not have translated cleanly to the NFL level.
“I loved what Diego Pavia did for college ball, just an absolute sensation,” McAfee wrote on X. “Turning Vanderbilt into a football school quickly,” McAfee wrote, referencing how Pavia helped elevate a historically modest program into a top-15 contender.
He then outlined traits that may have worked against Pavia in the draft process, noting concerns about measurables and play style that NFL evaluators often prioritize.
“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,” McAfee added. “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.”
Rather than framing the situation as a dead end, McAfee proposed an alternative path that could actually benefit both Pavia and another league.
“NOW. If it doesn’t work out, is he not the UFL QB Blueprint?” McAfee continued. “Recognizable name, can move, not scared to promote. UFL’s getting 800,000 viewers a game, which is good for spring ball, can bump that a bit with some name brands aht [out] there… I think we all assume the clips, regardless of outcome, would go for a bit. Feels like an opportune time for the UFL.. and for the Pavia show.”
I loved what Diego Pavia did for college ball.. just an absolute sensation. Turning Vanderbilt into a football school quickly.
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,… pic.twitter.com/d5IZNKwQZm
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 26, 2026
His comments suggest Pavia’s personality and playmaking ability could make him a standout figure in a growing league.
MORE: PFSN’s 2026 NFL UDFA Tracker
Pavia’s strong showing in the CFB makes his undrafted status difficult to ignore. In 2025, he threw for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns while completing 70.6% of his passes, leading Vanderbilt to a 10-win season.
He also added 862 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground, finishing with the highest 94.8 QB impact score in college football, according to PFSN CFB QB Impact Metric. His performance earned him SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors and a runner-up finish in Heisman voting.
However, questions about his size and long-term durability appear to have played a role. At 5-foot-10, Pavia falls into a category that has historically seen limited NFL success.
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Pavia is now a free agent with his options open. Even so, McAfee’s suggestion highlights a broader reality — success doesn’t always follow a straight NFL trajectory.
Whether he earns a roster spot, lands on a practice squad, or takes the alternative route through leagues like the UFL, Pavia still has opportunities ahead.
