Garrett Altman is on the move - and he's taking a well-earned promotion with him. After two standout seasons developing Diego Pavia into one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football, Vanderbilt’s quarterbacks coach is headed to Arkansas State, where he’ll take over as offensive coordinator.
This isn’t just a title bump. It’s a recognition of the impact Altman has had on one of the most impressive quarterback transformations in recent memory.
Pavia, who wrapped up the 2025 season as the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award winner and a Heisman Trophy runner-up, blossomed under Altman’s watch. And it wasn’t just the numbers - though those were eye-popping.
Pavia threw for 3,192 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just 8 interceptions this season. That alone would be enough to turn heads.
But what made him special - and what made Altman's coaching stand out - was how seamlessly the offense blended Pavia’s passing ability with his mobility. Pavia added another 826 yards and 9 touchdowns on the ground, turning broken plays into highlight reels and designed runs into game-changers.
Altman didn’t just coach a quarterback - he unlocked a dual-threat weapon.
That kind of production doesn’t happen by accident. Altman tailored Vanderbilt’s offense to Pavia’s strengths, giving him the freedom to create while sharpening his decision-making and mechanics.
The result? One of the most balanced, dangerous offensive players in the country - and a quarterback who came within a whisker of winning the Heisman, finishing just behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza.
But Altman’s impact in Nashville wasn’t limited to Saturdays. He made waves on the recruiting trail, too.
Earlier this month, Vanderbilt landed its biggest commitment in program history when five-star quarterback Jared Curtis flipped from Georgia to the Commodores. That kind of recruiting coup doesn’t happen without serious trust in the coaching staff - and Altman played a major role in making it happen.
Now, Arkansas State is betting that Altman can bring that same quarterback magic - and recruiting momentum - to Jonesboro. He’ll be tasked with leading the Red Wolves’ offense starting in 2026, and if his track record is any indication, they’re getting a coach who knows how to build around his players’ strengths and elevate an entire unit in the process.
For Vanderbilt, it’s a tough loss. But for Altman, it’s a well-deserved next step - and a chance to run the show.