Deion Sanders Sends Strong Message to Diego Pavia After Unfortunate NFL News
The Vanderbilt Commodores football program couldn’t have done more to put their former quarterback, Diego Pavia, in a prime position to succeed, but they ended up watching an unexpected outcome develop throughout the 2026 NFL Draft.
Pavia, a 2025 Heisman Trophy finalist and runner-up to former Indiana quarterback and No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, went undrafted despite entering the draft with expectations of being selected.
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With that, Pavia became the first Heisman Trophy finalist since 2014 to go undrafted. Pavia entered the race for the Heisman after putting together a final college season in which he threw for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns while adding 862 rushing yards and 10 scores.
He helped lead Vanderbilt to the first 10-win season in program history and guided the team to consecutive bowl appearances.
Ten quarterbacks were drafted through the seven NFL draft rounds, and many others signed undrafted free agent deals afterward — not Pavia.
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More than 12 hours after the draft ended on Saturday, Pavia’s situation has grown even more uncertain as he has not yet signed with an NFL team as a UDFA.
The development drew attention across the football world — fans and pros included — even featuring an emotional response in support of Pavia from Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders.
“I BELIEVE IN YOU MY MAN! Stay strong and don’t let up,” Sanders wrote on X. “Show them what time it is and never allow them to forget. Much Love & God bless you.”
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Despite Pavia’s production and Heisman-caliber season, questions about his transition to the NFL remained throughout the draft process, mostly linked to his height.
The quarterback sounded confident before the event, declaring himself the “best player in the country” and making it clear in an interview with ESPN that he “hundred-percent” expected to be drafted.
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Related: Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia Makes ‘Best Player’ Claim Before 2026 NFL Draft
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.