It was already disappointing seeing the Bama slayer circling around the courts for justice, nobody wants to see any athlete go through the process. Just when you thought the NCAA had its hands full with NIL debates, transfer portal madness, and playoff expansion chatter, in swooped Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt’s already graduated QB1 with a rocket arm and a legal ace up his sleeve. Turning the already chaotic landscape into something closer to a Hollywood script. But how did we get here, and why is the Commodores #2 suddenly a frontrunner for the Heisman in 2025?

It all began when the fiery signal-caller, Diego Pavia, decided he wasn’t ready to hang up his college cleats. After playing two years of JUCO ball at New Mexico Military Institute and three years in the FBS with stints at New Mexico State and Vanderbilt, the NCAA said his eligibility clock had run out. Pavia disagreed—and took the battle to court. The centerpiece of his argument? That his JUCO years shouldn’t count toward his eligibility, especially in an era where NIL opportunities and transfer portal timelines dictate much of a player’s future.

Our pleasure bringing in the good news. This Wednesday, Judge William Campbell ruled in Pavia’s favor, granting a preliminary injunction that effectively resets his eligibility for 2025. The decision, though temporary, sent ripples through the college football world. The 6′ 0″, 200 lbs, 23-year-old’s reaction was as loud as his 2 touchdowns when he spoiled the Alabama tide 40-35. Taking to X, he shared an On3 post about the ruling with the caption, “Vandy we f*ckin turnt 💯,” paired with a photo of him mid-celebration, hyped, flexing.

The ruling wasn’t just about extending his career; it was about challenging the NCAA’s interpretation of its own rules. “The NCAA is disappointed in today’s ruling,” the organization said in a statement. “Altering the enforcement of rules overwhelmingly supported by NCAA member schools makes a shifting environment even more unsettled.” Their frustration was palpable, but Pavia’s camp saw it as a win for players navigating a rapidly evolving landscape. As Pavia’s lawyers argued, “This decision protects the rights of student-athletes in an era where NIL and transfer opportunities demand flexibility.”

What it means? Well, for starters, Bad news for Bama. And good news for Vandy’s Clark Lea and Pavia as they can run it back one more time and he has more opportunities to expand his NIL. Also, who knows his nothing short of electric 2024 campaign, and if he can replicate that next year he can be the Heisman frontrunner. At Vanderbilt showcased the Albuquerque native showed he thrives under pressure, throwing for 2,133 yards and 17 touchdowns while adding 716 yards and six scores on the ground. Those numbers, can be argued are close to some of the league’s best. You can be generous and put him in the way-too-early Heisman candidates for 2025. The judge’s decision not only keeps him in the game but also allows him to take full advantage of the NIL market, something Pavia highlighted in his suit.

Objection your honor! Diego Pavia is here to stay.

“My lawyers are legit,” Vanderbilt quarterback Deigo Pavia declared with enthusiasm on social media, punctuated by a double exclamation emoji. “Ryan and Sal, I appreciate y’all! God is good, all the time.” This outburst of gratitude comes amid a high-stakes effort to secure his future on and off the field.

A big believer of Christ filed court documents outlining his belief that he could rake in over $1 million in 2025 with an extra season of eligibility, is caught in a tricky timing game. “I would like to return to Vanderbilt next year,” Pavia shared in the filings, “but I need time to negotiate NIL deals before the transfer portal opens. If the portal opens too soon, I’ll have to either abandon negotiations with Anchor Impact or miss out on other opportunities.” These were his words from a previous fillings.

Now, with a green light for another year, Pavia is focused on the immediate challenge: prepping for Vanderbilt’s Birmingham Bowl showdown against Georgia Tech on December 27 for Lea’s men to chase their first postseason win. As finally the grueling court sessions came to an end and their QB1 still remains no. 1.