Diego Pavia Apologizes to Heisman Voters for ‘Disrespectful’ Post
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia recently stirred controversy with his remarks directed at Heisman Trophy voters. After finishing second to Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza in the 2025 Heisman race, Pavia expressed frustration on his Instagram. His comments read: “F-all the voters 
But ….. Family for life,” which quickly gained traction online.
Diego Pavia Issues Apology for Disrespectful Post
Following the backlash, Pavia took to X (formerly Twitter) to apologize for his outburst. He acknowledged the honor of being a Heisman finalist and recognized the emotional turmoil of coming close to winning. “I didn’t handle those emotions well at all and did not represent myself the way I wanted to,” he stated.
Respect for Competitors
Pavia extended his respect to Mendoza, labeling him an “elite competitor” and acknowledged the outstanding performances of other contenders, Jeremiyah Love and Julian Sayin. He shared insights about his journey, noting, “I’ve been doubted my whole life,” and expressed gratitude for the support from family and teammates.
Impressive Season Stats
Despite the disappointment of the Heisman race, Pavia’s collegiate performance has been remarkable. In the 2025 regular season, he recorded:
- Completion Percentage: 71.2%
- Total Passing Yards: 3,192
- Passing Touchdowns: 27 (SEC-leading)
- Rushing Yards: 826
- Rushing Touchdowns: 9
Pavia also led Vanderbilt to its first-ever 10-win season and its second consecutive bowl appearance. The Commodores are set to face Iowa in the ReliaQuest Bowl on December 31, 2025.
Looking Ahead
As the bowl game approaches, Pavia is focused on competing alongside his teammates and cherishing family support. His journey reflects dedication and resilience, and he aims to channel those qualities into a strong performance in the upcoming game.
