Diego Pavia put together one of the best seasons Vanderbilt has seen, good enough to land a spot in the Heisman ceremony. His only real regret from his final year is missing the playoffs. Still, at 10–2, Vandy earned a trip to the ReliaQuest Bowl against Iowa on December 31, 2025, in Tampa. And the big question has been whether the 23-year-old will suit up for that game, a question that head coach Clark Lea has now finally answered.

“I’ve never known Diego to shy away from a challenge. We’re going to enjoy the chance to compete with him one more time,” Lea said.

Pavia has always carried that underdog vibe with him ever since his days at New Mexico Military Institute. He has built a reputation for playing like a “maniac” and being “reckless,” always ready to take on contact or try somethi

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