Diego Pavia Has Two-Word Reaction to Ex-Virginia QB’s Recent Transfer Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 2:38 PM ET

The college football transfer portal isn't for the faint of heart. While many players find new opportunities for change and increased playing time, countless young student-athletes struggle to make their new situation work. This leaves them forced to hit the portal again, hoping the next program is the right one.

One of the lucky ones has been Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. After two seasons at New Mexico State, he found a new home with the Commodores, and it all led to a very memorable 2024 campaign.

As a show of support for another quarterback who hasn't had the same luck in the portal, Pavia delivered a two-word message on social media to Gavin Frakes, a former NMSU teammate.

"Gods plan ," read Pavia's message.

In 2021, Frakes committed to Princeton, but by the end of the football season that year, he decommitted. He then transferred to New Mexico State, where he became teammates with Pavia.

After the 2023 season, Frakes transferred again, joining the University of Virginia. In May, the 6-foot-4, 220-pound signal-caller again transferred to join the Oklahoma Sooners. However, that wouldn't last, as on Wednesday, Frakes announced his decision to sign at Northwestern.

It's a stark contrast to the run of success enjoyed by Pavia. He enrolled with the Aggies in 2022, and in his second season, his playing career began to take off. In 2023, he passed for 2,973 yards, 26 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also ran for 925 yards and seven touchdowns.

Pavia then transferred to Vanderbilt and led the Commodores to one of 2024's biggest upsets in college football, a 40-35 win over then-No. 1 Alabama.

Frakes hasn't seen the field since 2022. That year with the Aggies in limited playing time, he completed just 50% of his throws (55 for 110) and passed for 736 yards, four touchdowns and seven interceptions.

At Northwestern, Frakes will likely sit behind grad transfer Preston Stone, who joins the Wildcats after four seasons at SMU.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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