Diego Pavia Makes 'Disrespectful' Admission After Heisman Loss to Fernando Mendoza

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dibyendu Mondal | Last updated Dec 15, 2025 7:00 AM ET

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia drew sharp public criticism after an angry reaction to Fernando Mendoza’s victory in Saturday’s Heisman Trophy balloting.

Shortly after Mendoza was announced as the Heisman winner, Pavia posted an Instagram story that read in all caps, “(Expletive) ALL THE VOTERS,” beneath a photo of himself and teammates.

Pavia, later in the night at Manhattan nightlife venues, according to a club photo that circulated online, displayed a placard aimed at Mendoza’s program that read, “(Expletive) Indiana.” The reaction from fans was not pretty. He was quickly stamped as one of the worst Heisman finalists ever.

Faced with mounting criticism, Pavia issued a written statement accepting responsibility for his actions and apologizing to voters, the Heisman Trust, and opposing players on Sunday.

What Did Diego Pavia Say to Heisman Winner Fernando Mendoza?

Pavia acknowledged that his response to the loss was disrespectful and dropped some serious praise for the Heisman winner.

"Fernando Mendoza is an elite competitor and a deserving winner of the award. I have nothing but respect for his accomplishments," he wrote after the backlash, also extending the respect to fellow finalists. "As well as the success that Jeremiyah and Julian had this season."

Being a part of the Heisman ceremony last night as a finalist was such an honor. As a competitor, just like in everything I do I wanted to win. To be so close to my dream and come up short was painful. I didn’t handle those emotions well at all and did not represent myself the…
— Diego Pavia (@diegopavia02) December 15, 2025

What was Diego Pavia’s Immediate Feeling After Heisman Loss?

Pavia expressed that coming so close yet failing ultimately was what prompted his actions.

"As a competitor, just like in everything I do, I wanted to win. To be so close to my dream and come up short was painful," he said. "I didn’t handle those emotions well at all and did not represent myself the way I wanted to."

Jeremiyah Love, Fernando Mendoza, Diego Pavia and Julian Sayin pose with the Heisman trophy during a press conference in New York.© Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Looking ahead, Pavia and Vanderbilt will conclude their season in the ReliaQuest Bowl against the Iowa Hawkeyes in Florida, on Dec. 31. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. Eastern.

"I’ve been doubted my whole life. Every step of my journey, I’ve had to break down doors and fight for myself, because I've learned that nothing would be handed to me," Pavia added. "My family has always been in my corner, and my teammates, coaches and staff have my six. I love them — I am grateful for them. — and I wouldn’t want anything to distract from that."

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

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