**Vanderbilt Quarterback Diego Pavia Falls Short in ReliaQuest Bowl**
Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia faced a tough defeat against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Wednesday afternoon, with Iowa emerging victorious at 34-27. Pavia showcased his skills by completing 25 of 38 passes for 347 yards, contributing three total touchdowns—two through the air and one on the ground. His 11-yard touchdown run brought the Commodores within seven points, but despite trading field goals with Iowa, Vanderbilt was unable to regain possession.
This loss concluded Vanderbilt’s season as Pavia continues to challenge the NCAA regarding its eligibility regulations. While he is considering entering the NFL Draft, he remains committed to his lawsuit aimed at reforming rules that penalize junior college players regarding their Division I eligibility. The lawsuit contests the NCAA’s policy that counts time spent at junior colleges against a player’s eligibility clock for Division I football.
Last week, Pavia’s attorney, representing him and 26 other players, referenced the NCAA’s allowance for an NBA Draft pick to return to college basketball as a precedent for a federal judge to permit his clients to compete in 2026 and 2027. Pavia initially filed his lawsuit against the NCAA in November 2024, successfully obtaining a preliminary injunction that allowed him to play this season. He was recognized as the SEC Player of the Year, amassing 3,192 passing yards and 27 touchdown passes during the regular season, leading the Commodores to a 10-3 record.
The lawsuit has since expanded to include 26 additional plaintiffs, among them Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joey Aguilar. NCAA regulations stipulate that athletes have five years to participate in four seasons, with the eligibility clock starting at any collegiate institution, regardless of NCAA membership.
Pavia’s journey began at New Mexico Military Institute in 2020, where his eligibility was not affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He led the institute to a junior college national championship before transferring to New Mexico State in 2022 and 2023, and ultimately to Vanderbilt.
As the Commodores reflect on their season, Pavia’s legal battle continues to highlight the complexities of NCAA eligibility rules and their impact on student-athletes.
**FAQ**
**What is Diego Pavia’s current legal situation with the NCAA?**
Diego Pavia is involved in a lawsuit against the NCAA challenging its eligibility rules for junior college players, seeking to reform policies that affect their Division I eligibility.
