Diego Pavia Issues Apology After Heisman Outburst, Shifts Focus to ReliaQuest Bowl
The emotions were raw, and the disappointment was real. A day after finishing second in the Heisman Trophy voting, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia let his frustrations fly on social media. But by Sunday, the senior signal-caller had taken a different tone-one of reflection, humility, and accountability.
“To be so close to my dream and come up short was painful,” Pavia wrote on X. “I didn’t handle those emotions well at all and did not represent myself the way I wanted to.”
The apology came less than 24 hours after Pavia took direct aim at Heisman voters following a distant runner-up finish to Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. On Instagram, Pavia posted a blunt message-“F-ALL THE VOTERS”-alongside a thumbs-down emoji.
He also reshared a quote from comedian Theo Von that read, “But ….. Family for life.”
Those posts have since been deleted.
By Sunday, Pavia had clearly taken time to process the moment and recalibrate.
“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.”
Respect for Mendoza, and the Bigger Picture
Pavia made sure to give credit where it was due, acknowledging Mendoza’s stellar season and the achievements of the other finalists, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love and Ohio State quarterback 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.”
And Mendoza certainly earned it. The Indiana quarterback turned in a dominant campaign-completing 71.5% of his passes for 2,980 yards and 33 touchdowns, leading the Hoosiers to a perfect 13-0 record and the top seed in the College Football Playoff. He pulled in 643 first-place votes and 2,362 total points in the Heisman balloting.
Pavia wasn’t far off in terms of production. He completed 71.2% of his passes for 3,192 yards and 27 touchdowns, while adding 826 yards and nine scores on the ground.
His dual-threat ability powered Vanderbilt to a 10-2 record and a spot in the ReliaQuest Bowl. But when it came to the Heisman race, the gap was clear-Mendoza received more than three times the number of first-place votes (189 for Pavia).
A Competitor Through and Through
If you’ve followed Diego Pavia’s journey, none of this should come as a shock. He’s always worn his heart on his sleeve. This is a quarterback who plays with fire, swagger, and a chip on his shoulder the size of the SEC.
Earlier this season, Pavia got into it with an Alabama fan after confidently predicting a Commodores win. That prediction didn’t age well-Vandy fell 30-14 on October 4-but the exchange showed just how fiercely competitive he is.
“I’ve been doubted my whole life,” Pavia wrote in his Sunday post. “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.”
That edge is part of what’s made him such a compelling figure this season. He’s not just a stat-sheet stuffer-he’s a leader who’s carried Vanderbilt to one of its best seasons in recent memory. And while the Heisman snub clearly stung, Pavia made it clear he’s not letting the disappointment define him.
“My family has always been in my corner, and my teammates, coaches and staff have my six,” he said. “I love them - I am grateful for them - and I wouldn’t want anything to distract from that.”
Eyes on the ReliaQuest Bowl
Pavia closed his message with a nod to what’s next: one final game in a Vanderbilt uniform. The Commodores will face Iowa on December 31 in the ReliaQuest Bowl, and you can bet Pavia will be locked in.
“I look forward to competing in front of my family and with my team one more time,” he wrote.
There’s no doubt Pavia wanted the Heisman. And with the numbers he put up, he had a strong case. But in the end, the award went to a quarterback who led his team to an undefeated season and the top spot in the CFP.
For Pavia, the road doesn’t end with a trophy. It continues with one more chance to lead his team, one more stage to showcase his talent, and one more opportunity to remind everyone why he was even in the Heisman conversation to begin with.
And if we’ve learned anything about Diego Pavia this season, it’s this: he won’t go quietly.