Diego Pavia Criticizes Heisman Voters After Placing Second to Fernando Mendoza
Diego Pavia expressed his disappointment over finishing second in the Heisman Trophy race. The prestigious award went to Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, marking the first time a Hoosier has won it in the program’s history. The announcement came during a ceremony in New York on Saturday night.
Diego Pavia’s Reaction to Heisman Voting
Following the announcement, Pavia took to social media to voice his frustrations. He posted a blunt message on his Instagram story, stating, “F-all the voters 
,” along with a shared post from comedian Theo Von. Despite the setback, he added, “But … Family for life.”
Statistical Accomplishments of Diego Pavia
Pavia, the quarterback for Vanderbilt, concluded the 2025 season with impressive statistics. His performance included:
- Completion percentage: 71.2%
- Total passing yards: 3,192
- Passing touchdowns: 27 (the highest in the SEC)
- Rushing yards: 826
- Rushing touchdowns: 9
Moreover, Pavia led Vanderbilt to its first-ever 10-win season and a consecutive bowl game appearance, achievements that highlight his significant impact on the team.
Fernando Mendoza’s Achievement
Despite Pavia’s remarkable season, Mendoza’s performance outshone his competition. The Indiana quarterback guided his team to an unbeaten record and secured the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. His stats included:
- Passing yards: 2,980
- Passing touchdowns: 33
Acknowledgments and Awards
Earlier this month, Pavia received the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, recognizing him as one of the top quarterbacks in college football. However, the accolade was overshadowed by his second-place finish in the Heisman Trophy race.
In conclusion, while Diego Pavia’s season was historic for Vanderbilt, it wasn’t enough to secure the coveted Heisman Trophy. The competition, led by Fernando Mendoza, marked a significant moment in college football history.
