NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - It’s an off-season of optimism for Vanderbilt football, and quarterback Diego Pavia is a big reason for that. Last year, he helped lead the Commodores to their first winning season since 2013, and thanks to his lawsuit against the NCAA, Pavia earned an extra season of eligibility to run it back.

Diego Pavia had taken his fair share of hits in Vanderbilt’s first five games of 2024, but it all appeared to catch up to him when Kentucky defensive lineman De

Pavia had one of his worst games of the season against Auburn last year, but a few big plays, along with a stifling defense, propelled Vanderbilt to the win. Pavia finished the contest 9-for-22 with 143 passing yards and just 26 rushing yards but added two important touchdown passes.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia nearly led the Commodores to an upset over the Longhorns last season in Nashville. Read More:

Diego Pavia was asked by the media why his star tight end Eli Stowers was back, and he made a joke about the school's donors delivering.

Pavia says Vanderbilt has laid the groundwork -- and has the belief -- that it can defeat anyone in the SEC and contend for a championship.