Vanderbilt star Diego Pavia is one of the SEC's top quarterbacks entering the 2025 season, but his standout run with the Commodores almost didn't happen. Diego, a former unranked recruit, got his start within the JUCO ranks at New Mexico Millitary Institute before transferring to New Mexico State ahead of the 2022 season.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia isn't short on confidence. After leading the Commodores to their first bowl game since 2018 last season, the 24-year-old Pavia -- who was granted an extra year of eligibility in the offseason -- is setting his sights much higher in 2025.

After some progression last season, quarterback Diego Pavia has national championship aspirations for Vanderbilt football.