Diego Pavia first Heisman finalist undrafted in 12 years: 2026 NFL Draft tracker live updates originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia put up a combined 4,401 yards both through the air and on the ground in the 2025 season. The runner-up for the Heisman Trophy scored almost 40 touchdowns combined. A 170-season rating average and almost 71% completions should have put him firmly in the top 100.
However, there are several factors working against Pavia. He was listed by Vanderbilt to be 6’0. While that is respectable, it is below the mark of what NFL teams look for. That was made into an even bigger concern when he measured 5’9″ and 7/8″ at the Senior Bowl. Excluding Kyler Murray’s NFL Rookie of the Year season, there has not been a ‘successful’ NFL QB under 5-foot-10 since 2000.
Despite the size concern there is a skill set concern. What Pavia did at Vanderbilt can work in the college game, but has very little success at the NFL level. Too many big plays off the platform, relies too much on his legs, and he is not viewed as a QB that can stand and deliver from the pocket.
Then there’s off the field antics. Pavia is making the same mistakes that Shedeur Sanders and others have made in recent memory. He’s trying to speak a draft stock into existence that no one else agrees with. He has been dismissive of the talent level of other players. He confirmed to Jon Gruden that he would not hire an agent.
Diego Pavia live updates and social media reactions
April 25
Pavia needed an agent and wouldn’t hire one
Diego Pavia made it clear he didn’t want an agent. “Ain’t nobody taking my money,” he told Jon Gruden. Now, Pavia is looking for a spot as an undrafted free agent. https://t.co/ULlemxGzHO
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 26, 2026
Pavia likely won’t be making a UDFA deal decision tonight
Diego Pavia update:
Tried to reach out about his status and if any NFL teams made contact.
We talked to him before the sixth round. His phone is currently off. #NFLDraftpic.twitter.com/4wFmO86Ibr
— Sammy Profeta (@profeta_sammy) April 26, 2026
A kicker signs a UDFA deal before Pavia
Trailblazer. Icon. NFL kicker.
The Tokyo Toe is headed to the @Raiders as an undrafted free agent! @kan08sei x #BowsInTheProspic.twitter.com/EwzfPQxZuJ
— Hawaii Football (@HawaiiFootball) April 25, 2026
Gruden co-signed for Pavia and still went undrafted
appreciate you coach!! had a blast learning ball today 💯 https://t.co/iWVl6nb1qm
— Diego Pavia (@diegopavia02) March 3, 2026
Where does this leave Diego Pavia?
All undrafted free agent QB’s signed before Diego Pavia
Jack Strand (MN-Moorhead)
Joey Fagnano (UConn)
Haynes King (GA Tech)
Luke Altmyer (Illinois)
Miller Moss (Louisville)
Kyron Drones (VA Tech)
Joey Aguilar (Tennessee)
Jacob Clark (MO State)
Matthew Caldwell (backup at Texas)…— Marc (@RealistMarc) April 26, 2026
Diego Pavia was a Heisman Trophy finalist last college football season.
Four months later, his NFL journey will start as a free agent. pic.twitter.com/mMpH0N8COC
— The Athletic NFL (@TheAthleticNFL) April 25, 2026
Pavia is the first undrafted Heisman finalist since Jordan Lynch out of Northern Illinois. He led the Huskies to back-to-back 12-win seasons in 2012/13 that included an Orange Bowl appearance, and did sign a contract with the Bears. https://t.co/G2eyTZUEOs
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) April 25, 2026
Diego Pavia not hearing his name called on Day 3 pic.twitter.com/vXnUrWfsaq
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) April 25, 2026
Diego Pavia’s NFL Draft journey was called by former NFL All-Pro
Tyrann Mathieu called it on Diego Pavia …
‘He’s just a little bit sidetracked. He’s been on too many podcasts for me … too many UFC fights, too many drunk photos. That’s not what people want to see at the next level.’pic.twitter.com/am7BkBxSJ3
— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) April 25, 2026
These players all went undrafted:
– Kurt Warner
– Wes Welker
– Warren Moon
– Tony Romo
– Antonio Gates
– Rod Smith
– James Harrison
– Adam Vinatieri
– Chris Harris
– Adam ThielenThe dream is not over yet pic.twitter.com/ia4hD6iuwN
— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) April 25, 2026
UDFA QBs starting to sign with NFL teams
Former Kansas QB Jalon Daniels is signing with the Bucs on a deal that includes a $247,000 base salary guarantee and $25,000 signing bonus, source said. pic.twitter.com/cXv7FmZjvE
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 25, 2026
Former Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar is signing with the Jaguars, source said. pic.twitter.com/CP8TmSgJJX
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 25, 2026
Former Georgia Tech QB Haynes King is signing with the Panthers on a deal that includes $250,000 guaranteed, source said. pic.twitter.com/QijlaYWN5w
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 25, 2026
Kyron Drones got signed before Pavia 💀 https://t.co/dfG1kKAbTM
— Shell (@BettingShell) April 25, 2026
Vanderbilt star quarterback Diego Pavia was NOT selected in the 2026 NFL Draft 😳
Pavia was a Heisman Trophy finalist just four months ago, finishing 2nd behind Fernando Mendoza. pic.twitter.com/5KR1yJOKjn
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) April 25, 2026
Diego Pavia becomes the first Heisman finalist since 2014 to go undrafted pic.twitter.com/e4h9v3AZee
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) April 25, 2026
Diego Pavia goes undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft. Let’s see where he lands as a free agent
Names to Watch in UDFA who met with the Panthers at some point:
QB Diego Pavia
QB Haynes King
QB Jack Strand
LB Wesley Bissainthe
LB Khalil Jacobs
TE Dae’Quan Wright
OLB Mason Reiger
OLB Tyreak Sapp
OT Tristan Leigh
CB Collin Wright— Panthers Statement (@Statement_JT) April 25, 2026
Denver is on the clock with the final two picks
Diego Pavia as Mr irrelevant would be generationally hilarious
— evan👑 (@ninersplswin) April 25, 2026
Final five pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
Some QBs still on the board with five picks left: Luke Altmeyer, Joey Aguilar, Diego Pavia and Sawyer Robertson. #Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) April 25, 2026
One prospect who never played college football gets drafted with Pavia’s hope dim
Eagles select IPP DT Uar Bernard of Nigeria with No. 251 overall pick in 2026 NFL Drafthttps://t.co/1kUIcH8Dtohttps://t.co/pYMC7DkNj1pic.twitter.com/BJ27QK9SM7
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) April 25, 2026
Final 10 picks of the NFL Draft without a sign Pavia will be taken. He’ll likely be the first undrafted Heisman finalist in 12 years. Also, the 10th QB off the board.
The #Chiefs have now selected #LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier at No. 249. His surprising fall ends in KC.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 25, 2026
Important to note: Pavia hasn’t officially gone undrafted yet at the time of his tweet.
TRENDING: Diego Pavia’s combine tape has resurfaced after he went undrafted in the #NFL Draft…
Many fans believe this is what lowered his draft stock.
What do you notice? pic.twitter.com/WxBtF6x8bv
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) April 25, 2026
A total of nine QBs have been taken in the 2026 NFL Draft with a few projected after Pavia
With the No. 234 overall pick in the 2026 @NFLDraft, the @Patriots select Behren Morton.
NFL Draft on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/q9d2HOFQSc— NFL (@NFL) April 25, 2026
Another Punter comes off the board. Florida’s Tommy Doman at No. 239 to Buffalo
Bills pick punter Tommy Doman with No. 239 overall selection in 2026 NFL Drafthttps://t.co/1kUIcH8Dtopic.twitter.com/k5TGgHbHkK
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) April 25, 2026
Mid-7th Round- Pavia’s chances of being drafted down right now
The Commanders take Rutgers QB Athan Kaliakmanis at 223. LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier still on the board.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 25, 2026
We’ve hit the 7th round in the 2026 NFL Draft- Will Diego Pavia be Mr. Irrrelevant
More:Denver Broncos have golden opportunity to spice up Mr. Irrelevant retreat
A punter and a kicker were taken before Pavia
The #Packers are on the board with a kicker, taking Florida’s Trey Smack at No. 216.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 25, 2026
At No. 211, the Ravens selected punter Ryan Eckley. pic.twitter.com/oPq8V7qUGo
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 25, 2026
More:Diego Pavia draft party hat selection reveals NFL disconnect
If Diego Pavia goes undrafted, he’ll be the first Heisman Trophy finalist to do so since 2014. https://t.co/oX2LstAjIO
— Crissy Froyd (@crissy_froyd) April 25, 2026
The setup for Diego Pavia’s draft party. We will see where the Vanderbilt QB goes. @WKRNpic.twitter.com/66iMsshgYC
— Julian Mininsohn (@JMininsohn) April 25, 2026
Will Diego Pavia be the first Heisman finalist since 2014 to go undrafted? pic.twitter.com/7ozTtTC9jH
— Bleacher Report CFB (@BR_CFB) April 25, 2026
More: Will Diego Pavia be drafted today? A closer look at the chances for the Heisman runner-up
April 25
Will Diego Pavia be drafted today? A closer look at the Heisman runner-up who’s one of the biggest names on the board on Day 3. @nflnetworkpic.twitter.com/eJ4SLv9gmu
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 25, 2026
- Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft is here.
Diego Pavia is still available heading into Day 3 of the NFL Draft 👀
When will he hear his name called today? pic.twitter.com/a0ItBpO9Ni
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) April 25, 2026
April 24
- We’ve hit the end of Day 2 with Pavia still not off the board. 100 picks in and this isn’t good news for the former Vandy QB
Offensive players still on the board after Round 3 include:
QB Garrett Nussmeier
QB Taylen Green
QB Cole Payton
QB Cade Klubnik
QB Jalon Daniels
QB Luke Altmyer
QB Haynes King
QB Behren Morton
QB Diego Pavia
RB Mike Washington Jr.
WR Deion Burks
WR Skyler Bell
WR Elijah Sarratt— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 25, 2026
When will Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia get drafted? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/qHpBZ2rOom
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) April 25, 2026
April 23
- Diego Pavia isn’t a first-rounder in the NFL.
Diego Pavia went undrafted in the first round, leaving the New Mexico quarterback as the only Heisman nominee in this year’s NFL draft still waiting.https://t.co/n9bN39HJeH
— KOB 4 (@KOB4) April 25, 2026
With Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson going at the top end of the first round, when will the next QB come off the board?
The big sports law question for the 2026 NFL Draft: When will Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia—who began what has become more than 70 eligibility lawsuits against the NCAA to extend their time as college athletes—be drafted?
— Michael McCann (@McCannSportsLaw) April 24, 2026
What team will be selecting @Vandyfootball QB Diego Pavia in the upcoming NFL Draft? 👀 @FedEx
2026 NFL Draft – April 23-25 on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/oc9uh2S4xu— NFL (@NFL) April 15, 2026
2026 NFL Draft How to Watch
The 2026 NFL draft kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday in Pittsburgh (ESPN, ABC and NFL Network– available on Fubo), The Las Vegas Raiders will likely select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick.