Pavia: Vanderbilt talented enough to reach SEC title game
Vanderbilt has never played in the SEC title game in Atlanta, but Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia believes they're talented enough to make a big jump and even contend for an unexpected conference championship this season.
"One, we have the talent to do it this year," Pavia said Monday at SEC media days. "Two, we return a lot of talent. And then three - this is probably the biggest reason - (tight end) Eli Stowers and a few of the guys have brought everyone closer to Christ. Really, I feel like He's shielding us to this alley, to take us there. I've envisioned it. I've had dreams of it. ... The belief is there.
"The mission ain't finished. We want to win a national championship," Pavia added, according to ESPN's Chris Low.
Pavia has reasons to be excited. In 2024, Vanderbilt recorded its first bowl victory and winning season since 2013. The 7-6 Commodores notably defeated Alabama during the campaign, securing their first win over the Crimson Tide since 1984.
The returning QB, who transferred from New Mexico State last year, accounted for 28 touchdowns with just four interceptions, earning 2024 SEC Newcomer of the Year honors and a second-team All-SEC nod.
Pavia said he expects Vanderbilt to continue improving and potentially become one of the nation's most dominant teams.
"We want to run off with this thing. We want to put in the work to not make these games close anymore, to really take off," Pavia said. "I think it was Alabama when they had Mac Jones and the Heisman winner DeVonta Smith, and they just took off with games. We want to put our pedal to the metal and just take off."
Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea echoed Pavia's comments, expressing confidence that his team can make a deep run and potentially even reach the College Football Playoff.
"We believe we have what it takes to play into January," Lea said Monday, according to On3's Brett McMurphy.
The Commodores kick off their 2025 season Aug. 30 against Charleston Southern before they go on a two-game road trip to play Virginia Tech and South Carolina. Vanderbilt missed Georgia this year but will face Alabama and LSU in back-to-back weeks in October. Road matchups against Texas and Tennessee are also part of the Commodores' schedule.