
Washington football makes top five for four-star Arizona iOL
Washington Huskies make the final list for four-star OL DaJohn Yarborough.
Diego Pavia, a standout college quarterback, was not selected in the 2026 NFL Draft but has been identified as an ideal candidate for the UFL by analyst Pat McAfee and league owner Mike Repole. If he doesn't make an NFL roster, the UFL could provide a platform for him to showcase his skills.
Mentioned in this story
Diego Pavia was the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy and was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Year last season. But he did not hear his name called during the 2026 NFL Draft. Pavia's path to the NFL now lies in impressing a franchise during the offseason of preseason, and he did land an invite to Baltimore's rookie mini-camp. But if Pavia doesn't succeed with the Ravens and can't land on an NFL roster this season, NFL analyst Pat McAfee believes that the former Vanderbilt signal caller is the perfect candidate to star in the biggest spring league in the country, the UFL – and the league's owner thinks it sounds like a great idea, too.
McAfee posted on social media on Sunday, asserting that he was a big fan of what Pavia did with the Commodores the past two seasons, but acknowledged the facets of his game that helped him excel in college are often overlooked by NFL scouts. But he also called Pavia the "UFL QB Blueprint." "Recognizable name...can move...not scared to promote UFL’s getting 800,000 viewers a game, which is good for spring ball, can bump that a bit with some name brands [out] there," McAfee wrote. "I think we all assume the clips, regardless of outcome, would go for a bit. Feels like an opportune time for the UFL.. and for the Pavia show."
I loved what Diego Pavia did for college ball.. just an absolute sensation. Turning Vanderbilt into a football school quickly.
I think a lot of what made him fantastic for College was also gonna be what held him back as an NFL “prospect”.. Size, speed, style of play,… pic.twitter.com/d5IZNKwQZm
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 26, 2026 Mike Repole, owner of the UFL, weighed in on McAfee's suggestion as well, stating that the league is currently focused on getting the right setup for the relatively young league, but as they begin to go after bigger brands, Pavia would make sense for the league. "Players like Pavia? No-brainer for [the UFL]. I’d sign him tomorrow and start him this weekend," Repole wrote. So if Pavia can't make an NFL roster this season, the UFL seems like a likely landing spot for him to build his brand, make some money, and gather tape that proves he deserves an opportunity at the highest level of the sport. Thanks Pat, I agree!!!!
Despite being a top performer in college, Pavia's size, speed, and style of play may have contributed to NFL scouts overlooking him.
Joining the UFL would allow Pavia to build his brand, earn money, and gather game tape to prove he deserves another shot at the NFL.
Pat McAfee praised Pavia's college performance and suggested he could attract viewers to the UFL, calling him the 'UFL QB Blueprint.'

Washington Huskies make the final list for four-star OL DaJohn Yarborough.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's record spell propels him to the top of IPL 2026 Purple Cap standings!
Manchester United is set to play in the Champions League next season, thanks to Michael Carrick's guidance. Many believe he deserves a full-time managerial position following this success.
University of Buffalo to Host NYSPHSAA Section VI Championships at Broadview Stadium
George Pickens hasn't signed his franchise tag, seeking a long-term deal or trade.
Did the Dolphins make a mistake drafting Kadyn Proctor over other options?
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Year 1, we’re focused on getting it right. Right city. Right stadium. Right fanbase.
Players like Pavia??? No brainer for the @TheUFL . I’d sign him tomorrow and start him this weekend. 😂
Year 2., we go bigger. More talent. More big name brand…
— Repole Stable (@RepoleStable) April 27, 2026 *This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Why Diego Pavia is seen as a perfect fit for the UFL*