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Diego Pavia strikes Heisman pose following fourth-quarter TD run

Danby: Daniel Hager11/29/25DanielHagerOn3

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia once again hit the ‘Heisman pose’ after breaking off a 24-yard touchdown run, which extended the Commodores’ fourth-quarter lead against No. 19 Tennessee Saturday night.

Pavia totaled 427 total yards (268 passing, 159 rushing) and two touchdowns (one passing, one rushing) in the dominant 45-24 victory. The win marked Vanderbilt‘s first ever win over a ranked Tennessee team inside Neyland Stadium.

“I’ve said this every week, but he’s the best player in the country,” Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea said following their win over Kentucky last Saturday. “(He) deserves to be in the Heisman conversation. He tips the field when he steps on it. There’s only a few players in the world that when the ball’s in their hand, if they can take over a game.”

“He’s done that repeatedly here, and I think we’ve really found a chemistry and rhythm with what his skill set is and how we best put him in good positions. We did that tonight, and obviously his numbers reflect that.”

Clark Lea calls Diego Pavia a ‘great role model and a great team member’

While it remains to be seen if Pavia will be a Heisman finalist, it’s clear how much of a game-changer he’s been for the Commodores. Vanderbilt finished the regular season with a 10-2 record (first 10-win season in program history) and was ranked as high as No. 9 in the AP Poll this season. 

“I’m happy for him. He deserves this,” Lea cotinued. “My God, this is a guy that has been doubted every way you can be doubted and counted out, and all he’s done is bet on himself. 

“He’s taken risks, he’s leaned into trust, he’s shown up and done the work. And I hope everyone’s paying attention. I know my children are. This guy is one of one, and he’s a great role model and a great team member, and we’re grateful for what he’s done for us.”

As Pavia continues his Heisman campaign, Vanderbilt is also marching toward a spot in the College Football Playoff. With two SEC losses however, the Commodores will be hoping and praying for an inclusion.