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Deion Sanders reacts to Diego Pavia going undrafted in 2026 NFL Draft
TL;DR
Diego Pavia, a standout quarterback for Vanderbilt, went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft despite a stellar season with 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns. His performance included a Heisman Trophy runner-up finish and a 10-win campaign.
Key points
- Diego Pavia had a breakout season at Vanderbilt.
- He recorded 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns.
- Pavia was a Heisman Trophy runner-up.
- He led Vanderbilt to a 10-win season and a bowl appearance.
- Pavia went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Diego PaviaVanderbilt CommodoresNFL
Diego Pavia went through something most college quarterbacks never experience. He put up 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns for the Vanderbilt Commodores during a breakout season that ended with a Heisman Trophy runner-up finish.
He led the program to a ReliaQuest Bowl appearance and their first 10-win campaign in years. The stats backed him up and the recognition followed, but when the 2026 NFL Draft rolled around, his name never got called.
MORE: New path emerges for Diego Pavia after 2026 NFL Draft snub
That’s a tough pill to swallow for anyone who just wrapped up that kind of season. Somewhere along the way, Pavia leaned into a villain-type persona.
Whether he chose that identity or it got forced on him, it stuck. Since 2024, that confident and edgy attitude became part of his brand, and people noticed.
Deion Sanders shows support for Diego Pavia
Deion Sanders noticed too. The Colorado Buffaloes head coach knows what it feels like when the draft doesn’t play out the way it should.
His son, Shedeur Sanders, slipped to the fifth round in the 2025 NFL Draft after plenty of people projected him as a first-rounder. So, when Pavia’s situation went sideways, Sanders stepped up.
“I believe in you my man! Stay strong and don’t let up,” Sanders wrote. “Show them what time it is and never allow them to forget. Much love and god bless you.”
Q&A
Why did Diego Pavia go undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Despite an impressive college career, including 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns, Pavia's name was not called during the draft.
What were Diego Pavia's college achievements before the NFL Draft?
Pavia led Vanderbilt to a ReliaQuest Bowl appearance and finished as a Heisman Trophy runner-up, contributing to the team's first 10-win season in years.
How did Deion Sanders react to Diego Pavia's draft outcome?
Deion Sanders expressed his thoughts on Pavia's undrafted status, highlighting the challenges faced by players with strong college performances.
