Diego Pavia Receives Word on Sixth Season of Eligibility

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated Dec 18, 2024 6:19 PM ET

Vanderbilt star quarterback Diego Pavia is on track to return for a sixth season after suing the NCAA for an extra year of eligibility, according to On3's Pete Nakos.

The fifth-year senior filed a lawsuit against the governing body in November, arguing that an NCAA rule violates antitrust law. The rule states that junior college seasons count towards eligibility, and student athletes cannot redshirt after four seasons.

Pavia spent his first two seasons at the Mexico Military Institute and the next two at New Mexico State before transferring to Vanderbilt for the 2024 season.

Pavia filed a temporary restraining order against the NCAA, which was attempting to keep him from playing an additional season due to his two seasons at junior college from 2020-21. He also argued that the rule prohibits players from earning potential NIL money.

According to On3's report, the U.S. District Court of Middle Tennessee granted Pavia's motion for a preliminary injunction. He is, "for now," allowed to return to Vanderbilt in 2025, although the NCAA is allowed to challenge the court’s injunction.

The Albuquerque, New Mexico, native is coming off a stellar season for the Commodores. Pavia led Vanderbilt, who hadn't won more than five games since 2018, to a 6-6 regular season, featuring a massive upset win over then No. 1 Alabama.

Clark Lea's Commodores also put together upset wins over Kentucky and Auburn behind Pavia's unique skillset. He passed for 2,133 yards with 17 touchdowns to four interceptions, while adding another 716 yards with six touchdowns on the ground.

Getting Pavia back in 2025 could pay dividends as Vanderbilt attempts to ignite a push to SEC contention.

Pavia and company will take on Georgia Tech (7-5) in the Birmingham Bowl on Dec. 27. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. ET from Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama (ESPN).

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

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