Diego Pavia experienced the ultimate NFL Draft humiliation this week, just four months after becoming a Heisman Trophy finalist. The controversial quarterback was overlooked by all 32 teams in the 2026 NFL Draft, making him the first Heisman finalist to go undrafted since 2014.
In a slide reminiscent of Shedeur Sanders's embarrassment last year, the Vanderbilt signal-caller was forced to wait through all seven rounds to hear his name called. However, unlike Sanders, Pavia's name never came. He also did not receive a contract as an undrafted rookie free agent on the open market after the draft concluded.
Nevertheless, the 24-year-old was given a lifeline on Sunday when it emerged that the Baltimore Ravens had extended an invitation to participate in rookie minicamp next weekend, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The minicamp does not guarantee Pavia a spot on the Ravens' roster, but it does offer him a chance at NFL redemption.
From Heisman Finalist to Undrafted
Unlike his Heisman rival Fernando Mendoza, who was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the No. 1 overall pick after claiming the trophy in December, Pavia was never expected to be a top pick. He was projected to be a late pick on Day 3. However, to go completely undrafted was notable for someone who just months ago had been in Heisman contention.
Pavia's draft misery made him the first Heisman Trophy finalist to go undrafted since Northern Illinois QB Jordan Lynch was not picked in the 2014 draft.
A Stellar Season but Lingering Concerns
Pavia threw for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns during a breakout 2025 season. Furthermore, he was a four-year starter across two programs, completing 62.2 percent of his passes in 53 career games for 10,255 yards with 88 touchdowns and 27 interceptions.
Yet, there had been concerns over his size, with Pavia standing at only 5-foot-10 and 203 pounds. He also has a history of controversy, something which NFL general managers may have been wary of.
Controversies and Legal Battles
Following his Heisman loss, Pavia re-posted an Instagram story of himself and his offensive line captioned 'F-ALL THE VOTERS, BUT.....FAMILY FOR LIFE.' He also reposted comments from Skip Bayless on social media, stating that the Vanderbilt signal-caller deserved the award and seemingly throwing a jab at Mendoza's six-minute acceptance speech.
Pavia was later photographed at a club with a sign reading 'F*** Indiana' in his section. The Heisman runner-up later apologized. He also raised eyebrows this spring in a viral interview with Jon Gruden when he appeared to reveal that he had not hired an agent for the pre-draft process. 'I didn't think it was fair that someone was going to represent me and take 5 to 10 percent,' Pavia told Gruden. 'Ain't nobody taking my money.'
He even had to fight for an extra sixth year of college eligibility, suing the NCAA to be able to continue at Vanderbilt. He claimed the organization violated antitrust law by counting his time in JUCO toward his NCAA eligibility clock, thereby affecting his ability to earn money from his name, image and likeness. Ultimately, a federal judge in Tennessee granted an injunction that allowed Pavia to play a sixth season of college football.
Looking Ahead
It now remains to be seen if he will be granted a second shot at the NFL. Even if he does earn a spot on the Ravens' roster, he will have to settle for a place out of the spotlight in the quarterback room, playing backup to starter Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley.
