Diego Pavia has always believed in himself, even when others might not have. All he needed was a chance — a theme that would resurface again and again on his way to stardom at Vanderbilt, and eventually, to discovering a faith that reshaped his entire life.

That journey began long before SEC stadiums or Heisman Trophy chatter. It started at junior college, where football was present but clarity wasn’t. Pavia carried big dreams, but also big questions.

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“I went to JUCO. I had questions about God. It was like God wasn’t really in my life, and it was like, where am I?” he said this week on “The Pivot Podcast” with Ryan Clark. “I met these two dudes — Dalton Bowles and Carson Sullivan. One’s a preacher right now and one’s a coach. These dudes led me to Christ. The first time I ever prayed, really, on my hands and knees, tears were dropping from my eyes. I got up and it was just tears of joy — coming to the Lord and Savior. Ever since then, it was like, this is what I needed. It was a relationship with God.”

 

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And as he moved on to New Mexico State in 2022, God kept placing people in his path. At NMSU, Pavia crossed paths with tight end Eli Stowers, whose faith wasn’t loud or performative, but steady and unmistakable. Stowers’ conviction and example through how he lived his life made an imprint on Pavia, so much so that Pavia believes they weren’t teammates by accident — both at New Mexico State and eventually at Vanderbilt.

“It was just like, Christ is real, and this is the reason why I am here right now,” Pavia said on the podcast.

But his belief in God didn’t mean his football path suddenly smoothed out. His road to the SEC was anything but easy. When he entered the transfer portal, interest was minimal.

“When I hit the transfer portal, no one wanted me,” he said. “My biggest offer was Washington State. No disrespect to Washington State, I thought I was better than that.”

He committed to Nevada at first, unsure he could complete the 21 credits Vanderbilt required for admission. But everything changed when Pavia received a phone call from Jerry Kill, his head coach at New Mexico State who had recently retired. Turns out, Kill wasn’t totally done in football yet. He told Pavia he was joining Vanderbilt’s staff as a chief consultant, and he didn’t mince words.

“You’re coming with me,” Kill told him.

That was all Pavia needed.

“I’m a loyal dude,” he said. “I feel like you took a chance on me coming from JUCO to New Mexico State, with this opportunity in the SEC, I’m going to take it.”

The chance he had long been waiting for had finally arrived — and he made the most of it.

He broke onto the scene last season, leading Vanderbilt to a 7-6 season and a win in the Birmingham Bowl. But this fall, Pavia became one of the most dynamic players in college football. He led Vanderbilt to a 10–2 record, claimed the 2025 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award last week, and was named SEC Offensive Player of the Year on Wednesday, two days after he was named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, which will be revealed at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday.

Pavia amassed 4,018 yards of total offense with 36 total touchdowns while leading the SEC in pass efficiency (171.5), touchdown passes (27) and completion percentage (71.2%). He ranks second nationally in total offense (334.8 yards per game) and became the first Vanderbilt player ever to top 300 passing yards and 100 rushing yards in a single game (Nov. 8).

Yet for all the production, the statistics only reinforce the belief he’s carried his whole life.

“I was like, ‘I can win wherever I go. I just need a chance. I just need an opportunity,'” he said on “The Pivot.” “The NFL as well — just give me a chance. I just want an opportunity and I can show you that I’m going to play. That’s just who I feel I am deep inside. I’m a true competitor who, at all costs, I’m going to beat you out. It doesn’t matter who you are, what you do, where you came from, I’m going to win. That’s how I grew up being.”

His confidence and authenticity have never wavered — not when he was overlooked in recruiting, not when schools passed on him in the portal, and not even when he stumbled publicly. After Vanderbilt stunned No. 1 Alabama last year, fans stormed the field and emotions exploded. Pavia, overwhelmed by the moment, praised God on live TV.

“It’s literally all God’s timing,” he said on SEC Network. “Literally from the jump. God gave me a vision when I was a little kid, and He don’t let back any promises. It’s God’s timeline. I’m super thankful.”

Seconds later, caught up in the chaos, he blurted out a celebratory expletive.

“GAMES LIKE THIS CHANGE YOUR LIFE!”

DIEGO PAVIA AFTER UPSETTING NO. 1 ALABAMA 😤 @VandyFootball pic.twitter.com/IclRKTOjzw

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) October 5, 2024

By the next morning, he knew he hadn’t represented himself or his faith the way he wanted to. His apology came quickly and publicly:

“I’m sorry for cussing last night but, God you are the TRUTH AND ALL THE GLORY GOES TO YOU!! For yall that don’t know him, get to know him. HE IS MAGICAL!!”

Later that week, he thanked God again for His “guidance and patience,” hoping others might come to know Jesus the way he has.

Now, after finishing the 2025 season 10-2 and just outside of the College Football Playoff field, Pavia and the No. 14 Commodores will face No. 23 Iowa in the Reliaquest Bowl at 12 p.m. ET on Dec. 31.

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