Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt football quarterback who won NCAA lawsuit, returned for 2025

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) and coach Clark Lea embrace after the team’s win against Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates with fans after the team’s win against Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025.

Antoinette Padilla, mother of Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia celebrates after her son scored a touchdown against Tennessee during the fourth quarter at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia’s family and friends imitate the Heisman Trophy pose during the fourth quarter at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) runs the ball as Tennessee defensive back Jalen McMurray (6) goes in for the tackle during an NCAA college football game on Nov. 29, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates after the team’s win against Kentucky at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates after defeating Kentucky at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) is congratulated after being taken out of the game against Kentucky during the fourth quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates with Theo Von after wide receiver Richie Hoskins scoring a touchdown against Kentucky during the third quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates their victory over Auburn after the game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates with Xavier Swallows after defeating Auburn at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates at touchdown with teammates during the fourth quarter against Auburn at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) runs for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against Auburn at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025.

Nov 1, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) throws a pass during the first half against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Nov 1, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Ethan Burke (91) sacks Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) on the one yard line during the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Vanderbilt's quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates with his family and Jerry Kill after beating Missouri 17-10 at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.

Vanderbilt's quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates his go-ahead touchdown against Missouri during their game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.

Vanderbilt's quarterback Diego Pavia (2) throws while being chased by Missouri's defensive end Darris Smith (19) during their game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates following the game between Vanderbilt University and Louisiana State University at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) jumps into out of bounds while Louisiana State University cornerback Mansoor Delane (4) and Louisiana State University linebacker Davhon Keys (42) attempt to tackle during the game between Vanderbilt University and Louisiana State University at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates following the game between Vanderbilt University and Louisiana State University at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates following the game between Vanderbilt University and Louisiana State University at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

Oct 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama defensive lineman LT Overton (22) pressures Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama downed Vanderbilt 30-14. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 04: Diego Pavia #2 of the Vanderbilt Commodores is tackled by Deontae Lawson of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the third quarter of the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 4, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates his touchdown against Utah State during the second quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates after defeating Utah State at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) runs in a touchdown past Utah State cornerback Noah Avinger (1) during the second quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia exits the field after defeating Utah State at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates after defeating Georgia State 70-21 at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) is tripped up by Georgia State linebacker Josiah Robinson (25) during the second quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) runs the ball past Georgia State linebacker Coby Owens (20) during the second quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.

BLACKSBURG, VIRGINIA - SEPTEMBER 6: Diego Pavia #2 of the Vanderbilt Commodores runs the ball in the second half during a game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium on September 6, 2025 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan Hunt/Getty Images)

Sep 6, 2025; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies linebacker Jaden Keller (24) tackles Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) during the fourth quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images

Sep 6, 2025; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies safety Jordan Bass (6) tackles Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) during the third quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images

Vanderbilt wide receiver Kayleb Barnett (81) and Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrate their touchdown against Charleston Southern with a double flip in the end zone during their game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

DUPLICATE***Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) runs against the Charleston Southern defense during their game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) congratulates Charleston Southern players after their game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) runs through the defense of Charleston Southern during their game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Jul 14, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia answers media day questions during SEC Media Day at Omni Atlanta Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - DECEMBER 27: Diego Pavia #2 of the Vanderbilt Commodores is all smiles after a win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Birmingham Bowl at Protective Stadium on December 27, 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Brandon Sumrall/Getty Images)

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - DECEMBER 27: Diego Pavia #2 of the Vanderbilt Commodores host the Fred Sington Most Valuable Player award after a win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Birmingham Bowl at Protective Stadium on December 27, 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Brandon Sumrall/Getty Images)

Dec 27, 2024; Birmingham, AL, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) throws the ball on the run against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the second half of the 2024 Birmingham Bowl at Protective Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - DECEMBER 27: Diego Pavia #2 of the Vanderbilt Commodores celebrates after scoring a first half touchdown against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Birmingham Bowl at Protective Stadium on December 27, 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Brandon Sumrall/Getty Images)

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) is tripped up by Tennessee defensive lineman Joshua Josephs (19) during the second quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.

Nov 23, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) reacts to throwing a touchdown pass against the LSU Tigers during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Nov 23, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) reacts to throwing a touchdown pass against the LSU Tigers during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Nov 23, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) reacts to throwing a touchdown pass against the LSU Tigers during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) hurdles over South Carolina Gamecocks’s defense during the first half FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024.

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) throws to Vanderbilt Commodores wide receiver Quincy Skinner Jr. (3) during the third quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024.

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) scores a touchdown against South Carolina Gamecocks during the third quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024.

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates a first down as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. The Vanderbilt Commodores defeated Auburn Tigers 17-7.

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates victory as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. Vanderbilt Commodores defeated Auburn Tigers 17-7.

Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze hugs Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) after the game as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. Vanderbilt Commodores defeated Auburn Tigers 17-7.

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) scrambles with pressure from Auburn Tigers linebacker Austin Keys (6) as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. Auburn Tigers and Vanderbilt Commodores are tied 7-7 at halftime.

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) throws against the pressure of Texas Longhorns linebacker Trey Moore (8) during the second half of their game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024.

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) offers a stiff arm to Texas Longhorns defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) during the second half of their game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024.

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates a touchdown against Texas during the first half of their game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. He scored on the play.

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) heads to the end zone against Texas during the first half of their game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. He scored on the play.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) tries to leap over Ball State defensive back Aj Taylor (16) during the third quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates his touchdown against Ball State with offensive lineman Chase Mitchell (50) during the fourth quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024.

Oct 12, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) high fives fans in the stands after a game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Vanderbilt football's Diego Pavia, CJ Taylor, Gnash and Head Coach Clark Lea rev up the fans before the Nashville Predators take on the Dallas Stars at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024.

Oct 5, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia celebrates with fans after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images

Vanderbilt running back Sedrick Alexander (28) and quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrate a touchdown against Alabama.

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) expresses his feelings to an Alabama player during their game at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) evades the rush of Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jah-Marien Latham during their game at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.

Sep 21, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) is sacked by Missouri Tigers linebacker Chuck Hicks (30) during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Sep 21, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) leaps over Missouri Tigers safety Marvin Burks Jr. (1) during overtime at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) runs for a touchdown against the Alcorn State Braves during their Southeastern Athletic Conference game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.

Vanderbilt ’s Diego Pavia celebrates after a touchdown during Saturday’s game between Vanderbilt and Virginia Tech at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville , Tenn., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024.

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) flips the ball to a teammate as he's hit by an Alcorn State player during their Southeastern Athletic Conference game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.

Vanderbilt ’s Diego Pavia runs the ball during Saturday’s game between Vanderbilt and Virginia Tech at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville , Tenn., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024.

Vanderbilt ’s Diego Pavia scores a touchdown during Saturday’s game between Vanderbilt and Virginia Tech at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville , Tenn., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024.

Vanderbilt ’s Diego Pavia runs the ball during Saturday’s game between Vanderbilt and Virginia Tech at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville , Tenn., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024.