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Vanderbilt Commodores Football Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Heisman Finalists: Mendoza, Sayin, Pavia, Love

Four college football stars, including Indianas Fernando Mendoza, Ohio States Julian Sayin, Vanderbilts Diego Pavia, and Notre Dames Jeremiyah Love, are finalists for the Heisman Trophy. Each has had an outstanding season, leading their teams to remarkable achievements. Mendoza, after transferring to Indiana, led the Hoosiers to an undefeated regular season and a Big Ten championship. Sayin, a former Alabama commit, helped Ohio State win a national championship and is now their starting quarterback. Pavia, a junior college transfer, has been instrumental in Vanderbilts historic season. Love, a highly-ranked running back, has rushed for over one thousand yards in each of the last two seasons at Notre Dame. The Heisman winner will be announced soon, with Love aiming to become the first running back to win since Derrick Henry in 2015.

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  • Heisman Hopeful: Pavia's Journey from NM to NY

    01:42|
    Diego Pavia, a quarterback from Vanderbilt, has an extraordinary journey to the Heisman Trophy finals. Despite starting with minimal national attention, Pavia excelled as a three-sport athlete at Volcano Vista High, showcasing his skills in football, baseball, and wrestling. His senior year saw him complete 108 of 165 passes for 1,485 yards and 14 touchdowns, while also rushing for 464 yards and 9 scores. Leading the Hawks to an 11-1 record and state semifinals, Pavias leadership and impact were evident. After high school, he won a state championship in wrestling and played baseball. Initially overlooked, Pavia played at the New Mexico Military Institute and New Mexico State, where he threw for 4,423 yards, 39 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions, adding 928 rushing yards and 7 scores. Now, Pavia has the chance to win the Heisman Trophy, showcasing his incredible journey from Volcano Vista to the Jazz at Lincoln Centers Appel Room in New York City.
  • Pavia Accepts Senior Bowl Invitation, Eyes NFL Draft

    01:39|
    Diego Pavia, Vanderbilts quarterback, has accepted an invitation to the 2026 Senior Bowl, a significant event for college players aiming for the NFL. Despite his college national title hopes ending, Pavia is set to play one final game for Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl. He has been named a Heisman Trophy finalist, first-team All-SEC coaches team member, and winner of the 2025 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. Pavia aims to boost his draft stock in the 2026 NFL Draft through strong performances in postseason games and impressive pre-draft workouts.
  • Pavia's Senior Bowl Invitation: A NFL Draft Preview

    01:58|
    Diego Pavia, Vanderbilts standout quarterback, has accepted an invitation to play in the 2026 Senior Bowl, following a successful season where he led the Commodores to a 10-3 record. Pavias exceptional performance earned him a Heisman Trophy finalist spot and a chance to showcase his skills to NFL scouts. He recorded 27 touchdowns, 3192 passing yards, and a 71.2% completion rate, leading Vanderbilt to victories against powerhouse teams. As Pavia prepares for the Senior Bowl and the NFL Draft, his college career leaves a lasting impact on the program.
  • SEC All-Star Teams: Pavia, Mizzou Lead

    01:59|
    Diego Pavia of Vanderbilt leads the SECs All-SEC first team, marking a historic moment for the Commodores. Missouri secures the most first-team selections with four players, while Georgia leads overall with eleven. CJ Allen, Georgias star linebacker, tops the conference in tackles. Quarterbacks Ty Simpson (Alabama), Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss), and Gunner Stockton (Georgia) earn second, second, and third-team spots, respectively. These selections highlight the conferences talent and hard work, setting the stage for thrilling bowl games and the College Football Playoff.
  • Vanderbilt Stars Pavia & Stowers Honored

    01:39|
    Vanderbilt football celebrates historic achievement with Diego Pavia and Eli Stowers earning All-SEC first-team honors, marking the first time since 2013 that multiple Commodores received this recognition and the first time since 2005 for offensive players. Pavia, a dual-threat quarterback, led the SEC in total yards and is a Heisman Trophy finalist, while Stowers dominated at tight end, finishing 9th in receiving yards and tied for 6th in receptions.
  • Diego Pavia: Vanderbilt's Unrecruited Hero

    01:39|
    Diego Pavia, the unrecruited quarterback, has transformed Vanderbilt football, leading them to their best season ever with a record-breaking ten wins. Known for his confident personality, Pavia guided the Commodores to four ranked victories, including a number nine ranking in the AP Top Twenty-Five. His drive and ability to make crucial plays have earned him a Heisman Trophy finalist nod, making him a hero to Vanderbilt supporters and a respected rival to opposing fans.
  • Diego Pavia's Heisman Journey: From Fringe to Finalist

    02:00|
    Diego Pavia, Vanderbilts star quarterback, is a Heisman Trophy finalist, thanks to his exceptional late-season performances against Auburn, Kentucky, and Tennessee. His impressive statistics, including a 71.2% completion rate, 27 passing TDs, and 826 rushing yards, have propelled him to the top of the SECs offensive leaderboard. Despite not making the College Football Playoff, Pavias Heisman odds have significantly improved, with his standout game against Kentuckey and crucial performances against Tennessee and Auburn solidifying his candidacy. Vanderbilt will face Iowa in the ReliaQuest Bowl, and Pavia is expected to play. The Heisman winner will be announced on December 13th, making Pavia a strong contender for college footballs most prestigious individual award.
  • Vanderbilt's Pavia Named Heisman Finalist

    01:34|
    Diego Pavia, Vanderbilts quarterback, makes history as the first Commodore to become a Heisman Trophy finalist. Leading Vanderbilt to their first ten-win season, Pavias impressive stats, including 3192 passing yards and 27 touchdowns, along with 826 rushing yards and 9 more touchdowns, earned him this prestigious nod. With the second-best odds to win, Pavia and the Commodores will face Iowa State in the ReliaQuest Bowl before the Heisman ceremony on December 13th.