Pavia, who reportedly plans to showcase his talents at Vanderbilt's Pro Day, had a limited showing at the NFL Combine.

Diego Pavia's comments about seeking guidance from a controversial former quarterback have college football fans questioning his judgment

Pavia is one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the 2026 draft class, something he can leverage in his interviews with NFL teams. He played two years at New Mexico Military Institute, two at New Mexico State and two at Vanderbilt.

With the 2026 NFL Draft roughly two months away, fans firmly believe Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia won't be selected. Pavia was named a Heisman Trophy finalist this past season after having 3,539 passing yards,

Diego Pavia comment he made at NFL Combine week is putting his most talked-about moments in a very different light.

Playing QB in the NFL often comes with a height requirement, but not always. Here's a look at the shortest QBs in NFL history.

That list ranged from Notre Dame star running back Jeremiyah Love (4.36) to Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green (4.36). Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq ran a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash, which broke the record of 4.40 for a tight end shared by Vernon Davis and Dorin Dickerson.

For most incoming NFL quarterbacks, Johnny Manziel is a cautionary tale. For Diego Pavia, Manziel is a role model. Pavia told reporters at the Scouting Combine on Friday that he’s getting advice from the Heisman winner turned first-round bust.

As Vanderbilt quarterback prospect Diego Pavia navigates the NFL draft process, he can lean on someone who did it before: Johnny Manziel.

Pavia has the opportunity to learn from those who came before him. But will he do what's necessary in the NFL? If not, this could be history repeated with the Vandy QB getting bounced harder than Manziel.