Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt Fall Flat in ReliaQuest Bowl as Iowa Caps Off Upset with Statement Win
Diego Pavia came into the ReliaQuest Bowl with something to prove. After a season filled with big throws and even bigger headlines, the Vanderbilt quarterback had his sights set on redemption-a chance to show the Heisman voters they got it wrong. But instead of a signature performance to close out his college career, Pavia and the Commodores ran into a buzzsaw in the form of the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Vanderbilt, favored heading into the matchup, found itself in a deep hole early. Iowa jumped out to a commanding 21-3 lead, controlling the tempo and dictating the pace on both sides of the ball. Despite a late rally, the Commodores ultimately fell short, losing 34-27 in a game that felt more lopsided than the final score suggests.
Pavia’s individual stat line tells a different story-347 passing yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. On paper, that’s a solid day.
But in context, it was a case of too little, too late. The Hawkeyes’ defense swarmed early, sacking Pavia in the first quarter with a hit that set the tone for the rest of the afternoon.
Vanderbilt’s offense didn’t find its rhythm until the second half, by which point Iowa had already seized control.
This game was supposed to be a statement-both from Vanderbilt as a program and from Pavia as a quarterback with NFL aspirations. Instead, it served as a harsh reminder of the gap that still exists between potential and production. The Commodores had hoped to use the bowl game as a springboard into the offseason, but instead, they’re left with questions about what could’ve been.
Pavia, who has declared for the NFL Draft, is projected as a Day 3 pick. His arm talent is undeniable, and his ability to extend plays outside the pocket has drawn interest from scouts. But performances like this-where the numbers don’t quite match the impact-will likely be scrutinized heavily in draft rooms.
The loss also brings Pavia’s college career to a close. His time at Vanderbilt was marked by flashes of brilliance and moments of frustration. Over 26 games, he tallied a 17-9 record, but the résumé lacks some of the milestones that define elite college quarterbacks: no conference championships, no playoff appearances, and just one win over a ranked opponent.
Still, there’s no denying Pavia’s competitiveness or the fire he brought to the field. His confidence, at times polarizing, was part of what made him must-watch TV.
He played with swagger, and when things were rolling, he looked the part of a future pro. But in the spotlight moments-like Wednesday’s bowl game-he couldn’t quite deliver the exclamation point.
As for Vanderbilt, the loss stings. A promising season ends on a sour note, and the program will now look to regroup without its starting quarterback. There’s talent on the roster, but replacing Pavia’s production-and presence-won’t be easy.
Meanwhile, Iowa walks away with a win that will resonate throughout the offseason. The Hawkeyes weren’t supposed to win this one, but they outplayed, outcoached, and outlasted a team that came in with more hype and higher expectations.
Pavia will now turn his attention to the next chapter. The NFL awaits, and with it, a fresh opportunity to prove himself on a bigger stage. But Wednesday’s loss will linger-for him, for Vanderbilt, and for fans who expected a different ending.