Entering the 2026 NFL Draft, the future of Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia was a major question mark. Some felt that he could be a late-round pick, while others expected teams to completely avoid him.
When all was said and done, Pavia was not drafted. He remains an undrafted free agent.
At this point in time, there is no telling whether or not an NFL team will sign him to a contract for training camp and preseason action. It’s a strange outcome for a college player who dominated in 2025 and was a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Keeping that in mind, former NFL player and current popular ESPN personality Pat McAfee has spoken out with a strong message and advice to Pavia about his current position.
Pat McAfee Doesn’t Hold Back Strong Message to Diego Pavia
In a post on X, McAfee revealed what he believes the former Vanderbilt star should do next.
“I loved what Diego Pavia did for college ball… just an absolute sensation,” McAfee wrote in his post. “Turning Vanderbilt into a football school quickly. I think a lot of what made him fantastic for college was also gonna be what held him back as an NFL ‘prospect’… size, speed, style of play, personality… you name it, all of it PERFECT for college, not necessarily the prototypical NFL ‘prospect.’ If he gets in a building and finds success I’d be pumped for him and his family.”
McAfee didn’t stop there and spoke out about what he thinks Pavia should do if an NFL team doesn’t come calling.
“If it doesn’t work out… is he not the UFL QB blueprint? Recognizable name… can move… not scared to promote UFL’s getting 800,000 viewers a game, which is good for spring ball… can bump that a bit with some name brands out there… I think we all assume the clips, regardless of outcome, would go for a bit. Feels like an opportune time for the UFL… and for the Pavia show.”
Diego Pavia Is Talented Enough to Be in the NFL
From a pure talent perspective, Pavia should be on an NFL roster. However, he has a very aggressive and controversial personality.
During the 2025 college football season with the Commodores, Pavia completed 70.6 percent of his pass attempts for 3,539 yards, 29 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He also ran for 862 yards and 10 more touchdowns.
His first two college seasons were played at New Mexico State before playing his last two for Vanderbilt. Over those four seasons, he totaled 10,255 passing yards, 88 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions to go along with 3,098 rushing yards and 31 scores.
It’s possible that Pavia won’t get a shot in the NFL this season. Should that happen, playing in the UFL would make a lot of sense.
Should he dominate the UFL as McAfee is suggesting, NFL teams could come calling in the very near future.
Pat McAfee Turns Heads With Strong Diego Pavia Message After NFL Draft