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Vanderbilt athletic director released a statement Monday following quarterback Diego Pavia's “F-All Voters” comment on his social media following the Heisman Trophy results over the weekend.
Pavia was a distant second to Fernando Mendoza from Indianathe quarterback who led the Hoosiers to a perfect 13-0 record and a Big Ten championship heading into the College Football Playoff (CFP).
Pictured with his Commodores teammates, Pavia captioned a post on his Instagram stories with his comment, which has since gone viral.
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Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Diego Pavia of the Vanderbilt Commodores poses with the Heisman Memorial Trophy before the presentation of the 2025 Heisman Trophy at the Marriott Marquis Hotel on December 13, 2025 in New York City. (Adam Hanger/Getty Images)
“Diego knows his actions were unacceptable and he has apologized,” athletic director Candace Lee said in a statement. Tennessee on Monday. “I know that he is remorseful and regrets the offense he caused. He is a passionate and genuine competitor, and while his authenticity is nurtured and celebrated here, it does not change the responsibility that comes with representing Vanderbilt University.
“We believe in growth and responsibility, and we will continue to support Diego as he learns from now on.”
VANDERBILT QB DIEGO PAVIA DROPPED F-BOMB ON HESMAN VOTERS AFTER LOSSING FERNANDO MENDOZA TROPHY
Pavia later apologized for his comments through X.
“I did not deal well with these emotions at all and did not present myself the way I wanted,” he wrote in his statement. “I have great love and respect for the Heisman voters and the selection process, and I apologize for the disrespect. It was a mistake and I'm very sorry.”
Pavia, 23, finished second, albeit by a wide margin, after receiving 189 first-place votes to Mendoza's 643. In his statement, he also apologized to Mendoza.
Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Diego Pavia of the Vanderbilt Commodores speaks during a press conference ahead of the presentation of the 2025 Heisman Trophy at the Marriott Marquis Hotel on December 13, 2025 in New York City. (Adam Hanger/Getty Images)
“Fernando Mendoza is an elite athlete and a deserving recipient of the award. I have nothing but respect for his accomplishments and the success that Jeremiah has achieved. [Love] and Julian [Sayin] was this season. I've been doubted my whole life,” he wrote.
“At every step of my journey, I had to break down doors and fight for myself because I realized that nothing was going to be handed to me. My family has always been by my side, and my teammates, coaches and staff have my six. I love them – I'm grateful to them – and I wouldn't want anything to distract from that. I look forward to competing again in front of my family and with my team in the ReliaQuest Bowl.”
Pavia, playing in his second season at Vanderbilt after starting at New Mexico State, led the SEC with a 71.2% completion rate, 27 touchdowns, 3,192 yards passing and nine scores. He rushed for 826 yards on 152 attempts.
However, Pavia's reaction to the voting results is not a big shock as he has always been opinionated to the point that he kept telling voters to send him to New York as he felt he deserved the Heisman.
Diego Pavia of the Vanderbilt Commodores warms up before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Johnny Izquierdo/Getty Images)
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“The Heisman Trophy winner goes to the best player in college football,” Pavia said at a news conference. Hot Mic OutKick. “I believe that if you are yourself, you need to check the numbers, and especially – there are two things that do not lie to you: numbers and tape. I was taught this since childhood, you should check it out. I feel like I'm undoubtedly the best player in college football.”
Vanderbilt had a 10-2 record for the year, ranking 14th nationally for the season.
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