Skip Bayless makes huge statement about Diego Pavia

Few stories from the 2026 NFL Draft cycle have generated more confusion and frustration than what happened to Diego Pavia. After one of the most remarkable seasons in recent college football history, the former Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback not only went undrafted but also initially struggled to land a standard undrafted free agent deal. Now, one prominent voice, Skip Bayless, is speaking out.

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A Stunning Fall

Pavia’s resume speaks for itself:

• Led Vanderbilt to a 10–2 regular season
• Finished as a Heisman Trophy runner-up
• Earned First-Team All-SEC honors
• Named a First-Team All-American

Despite all of that, his name was never called during the NFL Draft. The result placed him in rare territory, becoming the first Heisman finalist to go undrafted since Jordan Lynch in 2014.

Instead of immediately signing as a priority free agent, Pavia’s path took another unexpected turn. He ultimately accepted a rookie minicamp tryout with the Baltimore Ravens, a route typically reserved for long-shot prospects, not Heisman finalists. That decision only added to the growing disbelief around the football world.

Skip Bayless Weighs In

Among those stunned was Skip Bayless, a Vanderbilt alum who didn’t hold back. “I realize his off-field has caused some concerns, but Diego Pavia deserved better than a minicamp tryout with the Ravens,” Bayless wrote. “He did lead the Vanderbilt Commodores to a 6-2 SEC record, did beat Bama the season before, did scare Texas twice.”