Leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia is carrying the same swagger that propelled him to stardom in the college ranks.
When asked about his chances of being selected in April, Pavia told ESPN's Pete Thamel: "100%. When has the last SEC player of the year not been drafted? You know what I mean?
"I feel like you go watch, the tape number speaks for (itself). Everything speaks for themselves. I feel like I'm the best player in the country, and I still believe that. That's just the ultimate confidence that I've had."
The New Mexico native was named SEC Offensive Player of the Year after leading the conference in passing touchdowns (29) and completion rate (70.6%) last season. Pavia, who also recorded 3,549 passing yards and 10 rushing scores, finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up to Fernando Mendoza.
Pavia's career humbly began with him rising to prominence at the JUCO level before helping elevate New Mexico State from 2022-23. The 23-year-old became a household name over the past two seasons at Vanderbilt. He nearly led the Commodores to a berth in the College Football Playoff after the team posted a 10-3 record in 2025.
The prospect of Pavia being drafted has been questioned ahead of Saturday's Senior Bowl. He measured 5-foot-8 and 7/8 inches at the event, well below his listed height of 6-feet on Vanderbilt's team roster. Yet, the brash signal-caller won't let any slight against his stature deter him.
"I just want to show it don't matter what size you are," Pavia said. "It's not the size of the dog in the fight. It's the size of the fight in the dog."
Pavia hired a quarterback trainer for the first time in his career ahead of the draft. In preparation for the event, he hopes to match his physical tools to his mind, which he called his "superpower."
Pavia will dress for the National Team during the Senior Bowl.
