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One of those who voted for the Heisman Trophy did not remain silent after seeing Vanderbilt, defensive back Diego Pavia reports that he finished second to Indiana's Fernando Mendoza over the weekend.
Chase Goodbread of The Tuscaloosa News, who has a Heisman vote, wrote a story this week about Pavia saying, “Fuck all the voters” after finishing in second place to Mendoza. Pavia wrote this in the caption of an Instagram post with a photo of his Commodores teammates.
Although Pavia apologized for his initial reaction to the loss New YorkGoodbread was not impressed by what Pavia said.
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Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Diego Pavia of the Vanderbilt Commodores poses with the Heisman Memorial Trophy before the 2025 Heisman Trophy presentation at the Marriott Marquis on December 13, 2025 in New York City. (Adam Hanger/Getty Images)
“He’s a big boy now,” Goodbread wrote in his column. “Old enough to have more than one college degree. Old enough to beat NCAA in court to gain additional eligibility, and old enough to make a ton of money in ZERO form that came with it. Old enough to know better. And old enough to handle some criticism.
“It was a punk move, Diego. This voter did not sit next to Mendoza on Saturday night, but my congratulations to him are at least sincere.”
Goodbread added that Pavia's behavior was “bullying,” saying, “After 6 years in college, you'd think Pavia would have signed up for at least one humility class by now.”
DIEGO PAVIA KNOWS OBVIOUS BLAST AGAINST HESMAN VOTERS WAS 'UNACCEPTABLE,' VANDERBILT AD SAYS
Mendoza finished with 643 first-place votes to Pavia's 189.
Vanderbilt's athletic director released a statement Monday following Pavia's comments.
“Diego knows his actions were unacceptable and he has apologized,” athletic director Candace Lee said in a statement. Tennessee 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.”
Pavia later apologized for his comments about X.
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)
“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 sorry.
“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 was not a big shock. He was always self-confident to the point that he constantly asked voters to send him to New York because he felt he deserved the Heisman.
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Diego Pavia throws to an open teammate against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first half at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee on November 9, 2024. (Image)
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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 it’s me. You check the numbers, and especially – there are two things that don't lie to you: the numbers and the tape. I was taught this since childhood. You go and check it out. I feel like I'm undoubtedly the best player in college football.”
Vanderbilt had a 10-2 record this year, ranking 14th nationally during the regular season.
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