Diego Pavia sets Vanderbilt single-game passing record vs. Kentucky

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia broke the program’s single-game passing yard record in Saturday’s drumming of Kentucky. Pavia completed 32/38 passes for 469 yards and four touchdowns, surpassing Whit Taylor‘s 464 yard mark in Vanderbilt‘s 38-34 loss to Tennessee on Nov. 28, 1981.

Along with his stellar day passing, Pavia also recorded 48 rushing yards and one more score on the ground. The 45-10 win over the ‘Cats marked Pavia’s second five touchdown game of the season. He has also now tossed at least three touchdowns in three consecutive games (Texas, Auburn, and Kentucky).

Diego Pavia exits the game to “PAVIA” chants from the crowd.

One of the best performances in program history. pic.twitter.com/AXW3dUOSWB

— Joey Dwyer (@joey_dwy) November 22, 2025

As Pavia exited the game in the fourth quarter, he received “Pavia” chants from the crowd. In response, he made a heart with his hands as he exited FirstBank Stadium’s field for the final time. Earlier this week, Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea pleaded with fans to support Pavia on Saturday. They certainly showed up and showed out.

“I would just encourage the Nashville community to show up and watch, you know. I mean, this guy has laid it on the line for this program and this city for two years,” Lea said. “He’d be the first to tell you that the story of this program isn’t about one person, but a group of people that have bound together to do something that no one thought was possible. And yet, you know, he’s the quarterback, and he makes it go and he’s had some absolutely magical moments on that field, and will leave this program having forever changed it.”

“There’s a celebration to be had in watching him compete for the final time at FirstBank Stadium, and, obviously, I want the Vanderbilt community to show up in support of that to recognize that the feelings we have towards where this is, really at its beginning and where it can go, and that we need to honor this guy. You know, we need to show up in support of him and make sure he feels that Vanderbilt community behind him. But, beyond that, I hope the Nashville community shows up, because this is a guy that has been one of the most dynamic athletes in the city for the last two years. And, he’ll be someone who will be in conversations for the next fifty years here. “

“So, it’s an opportunity to watch a guy that is a Heisman contender for a reason, that we believe is the best player in the country, that has earned the right to have people paying attention to him. He’s the consummate team guy. He’s a great connector in the locker room, while being humble in his process. And, he means the world to me.”

Through 11 games this season, Pavia boasts 2,909 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. On the ground, he’s rushed for 661 yards and eight more scores. He has certainly proven that he is worthy of being a Heisman Trophy candidate, and could continue that campaign with a strong performance against Tennessee next Saturday. With 270 passing yards in that game, Pavia could break Vanderbilt legend Kurt Page‘s single-season record for passing yards (3,178).