Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia was never supposed to be playing in the SEC, let alone having a case made around for his Heisman candidature. But here he is, scripting history with the Commodores. “I think he’s the best player in college football,” said Clark Lea about his star athlete. Whereas Nick Saban outright called the QB1 a “point guard” for the team. Calm, composed, and carrying that unseen leadership under center and in the locker room, he is rising steadily in the Heisman rankings. And supporting him is his partner in crime, Langston Patterson.

The senior linebacker did not hesitate to praise his teammate. It was an impactful 60-second speech on Heisman voter Zach Gelb’s recent podcast. “He ultimately should be. It’s who’s the best player in college football? And to see him come into Vanderbilt, he’s been a big catalyst for the reason this thing has turned around. And to take a team that was coming off a 2-10 season (2023) and in two years have been able to turn it into a team that’s completely competing to be in the playoffs,” said Patterson. Their relationship is not just limited to the gridiron.

When the linebacker isn’t defending the points scored by Pavia, he sometimes plays basketball with the QB and even played for “three hours” one day. The thing that stood out for Patterson in Pavia was the QB’s relentless desire to win. That too, in a friendly game of basketball. The same attitude translates onto the field, too. Not just that, but the QB1 also leads by example, setting the tone for exemplary work ethic and excellence.

“I don’t even know who else you would be looking at, you know, whether it’s a teammate, a captain, you know, balls on the field every Saturday. Every time you turn on the tape on Saturday, he’s the best player on the field. And I’ve got so much confidence in him. The team’s got so much confidence in him,” said Patterson. Vandy’s success under Diego Pavia is truly remarkable, but can that alone win Pavia a Heisman?

Vanderbilt, just two years back in the 2023 season, had a 2-win season and had lost 10 games consecutively. Many things changed for the Commodores in 2024, but mainly it was the arrival of their JUCO phenom. The result? The program ended up with a 7-1 season, including signature wins against Alabama and Georgia Tech. This year, the same brilliance continues as the star QB has upped the ante.

They have already defeated teams like South Carolina, Virginia Tech, and most recently 31-24 win against LSU. With his influence, Vanderbilt ranks 8th nationally in scoring offense and 21st in rushing offense. A Heisman then feels like an obvious thing for Pavia. However, can all of it materialize for the star QB?

Diego Pavia’s Heisman dreams receive grim update

Vanderbilt is surely performing beyond expectations this year, and the players have already declared the team to win the Natty. “We’re not hiding it — we’re trying to go win a national championship,” said tight end Cole Spence. Apart from talking about it, Diego Pavia struck a Heisman pose against LSU, giving tribute to Johnny Manziel. Which again boasted the narrative about his chances to win one. But it’s not that simple, as per a Fox analyst.

“Clark Lea has done an awesome job. They are so well coached. The offensive line is so underrated. They’re physical. They run the ball so well… They’re not going to win. But you know what? at 11. They probably might not even make the playoffs,” said Fox Sports’ Chris ‘Bear’ Fallica about Vandy’s championship and playoff hopes. Without a Natty contention or a playoff spot, it would be hard to make a solid case for Pavia’s Heisman. Even the upcoming fixtures are not easy.

Their next game against Missouri alone is quite daunting, since the Tigers are also 6-1 in the SEC. Then they face the Texas Longhorns, who are also 4-1 in the last five games. So, the task won’t get easier for Vanderbilt or Diego Pavia. If they prevail, it will only increase his chances of being a Heisman winner.