Diego Pavia practices victory formation during warmups for Alabama game

Diego Pavia wasted no time calling his shot Saturday as the Vanderbilt QB practiced taking a victory knee pregame. Vanderbilt is set for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff at Alabama.

Pavia led Vandy to a historic upset over the Crimson Tide last season. Now at 5-0 and ranked No. 16 in the country, there are expectations for the Commodores to do it again.

Alabama is No. 10 and 3-1 this season, but have the home field advantage this time around. You can see Pavia practice the knee and celebration below.

Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia takes a knee in warmups before facing Alabama. pic.twitter.com/ilnhEN4s23

— Alabama Crimson Tide | AL.com (@aldotcomTide) October 4, 2025

It’s quite the move by Pavia to antagonize opposing players and fans. But, the Commodores’ star doesn’t lack confidence, that’s for sure.

In five games this season, Pavia has 1,211 yards, 13 touchdowns, three interceptions, a 74.6% completion percentage, 294 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. He’s on pace for career numbers.

Pavia will have Johnny Manziel watching too. Manziel revealed he’ll be on the sidelines for Vandy, watching his de facto protege.

“I went to dinner with Diego Pavia tonight,” Manziel said on Night Cap. “They hungry. And guess what? I’m going to Tuscaloosa, Alabama on Saturday, and I’m on the Vandy sideline. ‘Bring it on’ is what them boys are saying.”

Manziel was probably pretty proud of Pavia’s performance last season. In the 40-35 win, Pavia threw for 252 yards, two touchdowns and ran for 56 yards in the stunner.

“What an awesome game, so fun to watch,” Manziel said to Pavia last year. “Couldn’t be happier for you. Sitting there and watching the whole thing play out has to feel like 2012 for me. But appreciate you showing me a lot of love, hope I get the chance to come on here and show you the same thing.”

Pavia made sure to invite Manziel to Nashville, calling the Vanderbilt program “electric.” Now, that’s going to be a reality, at least in Tuscaloosa, which could be a mini-Nashville if the QB leads them to victory.