Diego Pavia may have moved on from his days as Vanderbilt's star quarterback, but his connection to the Commodores runs deep. On Wednesday morning, Pavia unveiled his NCAA Tournament picks, and while basketball isn't his main game, his loyalty to Vanderbilt is as strong as ever.
So, who does Pavia see cutting down the nets on April 6? You guessed it-Vanderbilt.
The Commodores had a solid season, finishing 4th in the SEC and making an impressive run to the SEC Tournament final, including a dominant win over top-seeded Florida in the semifinals. This isn't a Cinderella story of a low-seeded team hoping for a miracle; Vanderbilt is a respectable No. 5 seed in the South Region. And yes, Florida, the No. 1 seed in the same region, stands in their way again-a challenge Pavia embraces in his bracket.
Pavia’s picks are full of surprises, with Vanderbilt making a stunning run to the Final Four. He’s also backing another SEC team to join the Commodores in the last four. And for the grand finale, Pavia predicts an all-SEC showdown for the national championship on April 6, featuring two familiar conference rivals.
Here's a look at Pavia’s complete NCAA Tournament bracket, filled with his Vandy loyalty and bold upset predictions:
As Pavia shares his insights on March Madness, the Kalshi market offers its own perspective on the top contenders vying for the championship on April 6.