Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia Issues Apology After Viral Post Following Heisman Snub
Diego Pavia’s season has been nothing short of historic for Vanderbilt. The senior quarterback didn’t just rewrite the Commodores’ record books - he helped redefine what was possible for a program long considered an SEC afterthought. But after finishing second in the 2025 Heisman Trophy voting to Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, Pavia’s frustration briefly spilled over into the spotlight.
On Sunday, shortly after the ceremony, Pavia posted a message to his Instagram story that stirred up plenty of conversation: “F-all the voters 👎 But ..... Family for life.”
The post quickly made the rounds on social media, drawing both criticism and support. By Monday, Pavia had addressed the situation head-on, issuing a public apology and acknowledging that his emotions got the best of him.
“Being a part of the Heisman ceremony last night as a finalist was such an honor,” Pavia wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “As a competitor, just like in everything I do, I wanted to win.
To be so close to my dream and come up short was painful. I didn’t handle those emotions well at all and did not represent myself the way I wanted to.”
That kind of raw honesty is part of what’s made Pavia such a compelling figure this season. He’s not just a dual-threat quarterback with elite production - he’s a fiery leader who’s carried Vanderbilt to heights the program has never seen before. Still, he made it clear that he understood the weight of his words and the importance of showing respect to the process.
“I have much love and respect for the Heisman voters and the selection process, and I apologize for being disrespectful,” he continued. “It was a mistake, and I am sorry.”
Pavia also made sure to credit Mendoza, who took home the trophy, as well as fellow finalists Jeremiyah Love and Julian Sayin.
“Fernando Mendoza is an elite competitor and a deserving winner of the award,” Pavia wrote. “I have nothing but respect for his accomplishments as well as the success that Jeremiyah and Julian had this season.”
That’s a strong show of character from a player who’s had to earn everything the hard way. Pavia’s journey to the Heisman stage wasn’t built on hype or pedigree - it was built on grit, performance, and belief.
And that chip on his shoulder? It’s been there for a while.
“I’ve been doubted my whole life,” he said. “Every step of my journey I’ve had to break down doors and fight for myself, because I’ve learned that nothing would be handed to me.
My family has always been in my corner, and my teammates, coaches and staff have my six. I love them-I am grateful for them-and I wouldn’t want anything to distract from that.”
Despite the post-ceremony drama, Pavia’s 2025 campaign remains one of the most remarkable in recent SEC memory. He completed 71.2% of his passes for 3,192 yards and an SEC-best 27 passing touchdowns. And he wasn’t just a threat through the air - he added 826 yards and nine scores on the ground, making him one of the most dynamic offensive players in the country.
Being a part of the Heisman ceremony last night as a finalist was such an honor. As a competitor, just like in everything I do I wanted to win. To be so close to my dream and come up short was painful. I didn’t handle those emotions well at all and did not represent myself the…
— Diego Pavia (@diegopavia02) December 15, 2025
More importantly, he led Vanderbilt to its first-ever 10-win season and a second straight bowl appearance. The Commodores will face Iowa in the ReliaQuest Bowl on December 31, and Pavia made it clear he’s locked in for one final ride with his squad.
“I look forward to competing in front of my family and with my team one more time in the ReliaQuest Bowl,” he said.
For a player who’s had to fight for every ounce of recognition, this moment - even with its emotional misstep - is another chapter in a story that’s far from over. Pavia didn’t win the Heisman, but he’s earned the respect of college football fans across the country. And with one more game left in a record-setting season, don’t be surprised if he has a little more magic left in him.