It’s one of the most surprising storylines to emerge from the 2026 NFL Draft. Diego Pavia, a record-setting star at Vanderbilt and the 2025 Heisman Trophy runner-up, did not hear his name called across all 257 picks of the NFL Draft. For some, it’s shocking. For others, it’s the harsh reality of how the league evaluates quarterbacks.
MORE: Complete 2026 NFL Draft results, full list of picks
Pavia’s undrafted status places him in rare and unexpected company.
The first Heisman finalist to go undrafted since 2014 (Jordan Lynch)
The first Heisman runner-up to go undrafted since 2003 (Brad Banks)
For a player coming off one of the most dynamic seasons in college football, it’s a result that immediately stands out.
The biggest factor behind Pavia’s fall? His size. Measured at just under 5-foot-10 (5’9 ⅞”) and 198 pounds at the Senior Bowl, Pavia falls well below the traditional prototype NFL teams look for at quarterback.
In a league that still heavily prioritizes height, durability, and visibility in the pocket, those measurements raised concerns throughout the draft process. Fair or not, it ultimately defined his evaluation.
On the field, Pavia’s résumé tells a very different story. He was one of the most electric players in college football during the 2025 season, leading Vanderbilt with playmaking ability, toughness, and leadership that propelled him into the Heisman conversation.
But the NFL doesn’t just draft production. It drafts projection. And that’s where opinions on Pavia varied widely:
Adding another layer to the story, reports indicated that Pavia did not have an agent representing him during the draft process. While not unheard of, it’s a rare path, especially for a player of his profile, and may have impacted how teams navigated communication and expectations leading up to draft weekend.
Now, Pavia turns to the next phase of his journey. He is expected to sign as an undrafted free agent, where he’ll have the opportunity to compete for a roster spot and prove teams wrong. And if there’s one thing that defines his career, it’s belief.
The NFL has seen this story before. Quarterbacks overlooked due to size, style, or system, only to carve out roles through resilience and performance. Pavia now enters that category.
Diego Pavia didn’t get drafted. But his story is far from over. In fact, it may have just become a lot more interesting. Because if his college career proved anything, it’s this: Betting against Diego Pavia hasn’t worked out very well before.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —