Diego Pavia apologizes for behavior following Heisman Trophy loss, praises Fernando Mendoza

Vanderbilt superstar Diego Pavia has been under the microscope in the last 24 hours for how he responded to finishing as the runner-up for the 2025 Heisman Trophy. Among other things, he was disrespectful toward Indiana and winner Fernando Mendoza. He also blasted the Heisman Trophy voters.

But after getting a little time to reflect, Pavia has thought twice about his actions. He reached out with a lengthy apology on social media on Sunday night.

“Being a part of the Heisman ceremony last night as a finalist was such an honor,” Pavia wrote. “As a competitor, just like in everything I do I wanted to win. To be so close to my dream and come up short was painful. I didn’t handle those emotions well at all and did not represent myself the way I wanted to. I have much love and respect for the Heisman voters and the selection process, and I apologize for being disrespectful. It was a mistake, and I am sorry.

“Fernando Mendoza is an elite competitor and a deserving winner of the award. I have nothing but respect for his accomplishments as well as the success that Jeremiyah (Love) and Julian (Sayin) had this season.”

Diego Pavia then opened up a little bit on where his energy comes from. He has played with an underdog mentality for quite some time, even with Vanderbilt riding high.

“I’ve been doubted my whole life,” Pavia wrote. “Every step of my journey I’ve had to break down doors and fight for myself, because I’ve learned that nothing would be handed to me. My family has always been in my corner, and my teammates, coaches and staff have my six. I love them — I am grateful for them — and I wouldn’t want anything to distract from that. I look forward to competing in front of my family and with my team one more time in the ReliaQuest Bowl.”