4,000-Yard QB Predicted to Go Undrafted After Historic College Football Career – National Today

By the People, for the People
News
Diego Pavia, a standout quarterback at Vanderbilt, is not expected to be selected in the 2026 NFL Draft despite his impressive college stats.
Published on Feb. 19, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Diego Pavia, a 5-foot-9, 200-pound quarterback, had a historic college football career, passing for over 3,500 yards and rushing for over 800 yards in his final season at Vanderbilt. However, NFL draft analyst Todd McShay does not believe Pavia is worthy of being drafted due to concerns over his size and age.
Pavia’s case highlights the challenges that undersized and older college football players can face in getting drafted by NFL teams, even after putting up impressive statistical seasons. His story raises questions about the criteria NFL teams use in evaluating quarterback prospects and whether there is room for more diverse body types and playing styles in the league.
Pavia began his college career at the junior college level, where he threw for 2,644 yards and 31 touchdowns while rushing for 1,107 yards and 15 touchdowns. He then transferred to New Mexico State, where he continued to put up strong numbers, including a 10-win season in 2023 that earned him All-Conference USA Second Team honors. Pavia then transferred to Vanderbilt for his final two seasons, where he had his best year in 2025, passing for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns while rushing for 862 yards and 10 more scores. He was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Year and a Heisman Trophy finalist, but NFL draft analyst Todd McShay does not believe he is worthy of being drafted.
A 5-foot-9, 200-pound quarterback who had a historic college football career, passing for over 3,500 yards and rushing for over 800 yards in his final season at Vanderbilt.
An NFL draft analyst who does not believe Pavia is worthy of being drafted, citing concerns over his size and age.
“Diego Pavia = NFL quarterback?@McShay13 revealed he wouldn’t draft him but has a lot of respect for him as a football player.”
— Todd McShay, NFL Draft Analyst (FOX Sports)
Pavia’s case highlights the challenges that undersized and older college football players can face in getting drafted by NFL teams, even after putting up impressive statistical seasons. His story raises questions about the criteria NFL teams use in evaluating quarterback prospects and whether there is room for more diverse body types and playing styles in the league.
Feb. 19, 2026
Feb. 19, 2026
Feb. 19, 2026
We keep track of fun holidays and special moments on the cultural calendar — giving you exciting activities, deals, local events, brand promotions, and other exciting ways to celebrate.

source