Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia Criticizes Heisman Voters Following Defeat
Diego Pavia, the quarterback for Vanderbilt, voiced strong criticism towards Heisman Trophy voters after his defeat in the prestigious race. The award ceremony took place in New York City, where Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza claimed the trophy as the standout player of the season.
Heisman Trophy Results
On Saturday night, Mendoza emerged as the consensus choice, finishing the voting with an impressive 643 first-place votes out of 930 total ballots. Pavia, despite having a strong season, could only secure 189 votes.
Pavia’s Performance
- Diego Pavia’s stats for the season:
- Passing yards: 3,192
- Touchdowns: 27
- Interceptions: 8
- Completion rate: 71.2% (lowest among the top three candidates)
- Vanderbilt’s record: 10–2
- National ranking: No. 14
Mendoza not only secured the Heisman Trophy but also led the Hoosiers to a 13–0 record, a Big Ten championship, and a top seed in the College Football Playoff. This historic win marked Mendoza as the first Heisman Trophy winner in Indiana’s history.
Pavia’s Reaction
Pavia took to social media after the announcement, posting a photo with his teammates alongside a pointed message for those he felt overlooked him in the voting process. He expressed his disappointment by stating, “F- all the voters, but family for life,” along with a thumbs-down emoji.
Throughout the season, Pavia had been vocal about his belief in his abilities, claiming he was the best player in college football. Prior to the ceremony, he stated, “Well, the Heisman Trophy winner goes to the best player in college football. I believe that to be myself… Numbers and tape don’t lie.”
While Pavia had remarkable statistics, his overall performance may have raised questions. Despite leading in yardage, he threw fewer touchdowns than Mendoza and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, who also received Heisman recognition.
As the awards continue to spark debate, Pavia’s bold remarks and competitive spirit illustrate the passion surrounding college football and the prestige of the Heisman Trophy.
