In a stunning twist of college football fate, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia has rocketed to stardom after orchestrating the biggest win in Vanderbilt history, toppling the powerhouse Alabama Crimson Tide 40-35. This shocking upset marked the Tide’s first loss to an unranked team in over 40 years, and Pavia’s heroics on the field—completing 16 of 20 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns—have made him the hottest name in college football right now.
Pavia, a self-proclaimed Johnny Manziel fan, is wasting no time seizing the opportunities that come with his newfound fame. His latest venture? Launching his own podcast titled Air it Out with Pavia. The debut episode, released on October 11, saw him sharing the mic with teammates Eli Stowers, CJ Taylor, and co-host Fluff. The podcast has already ignited a frenzy among fans, eager to hear from college football’s newest sensation.
In a candid discussion, Pavia and his co-hosts ventured beyond football, delving into UFC legend Jon Jones’ legacy. Pavia, not shy about his opinions, compared Jones to NFL icons like Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes. “He’s a winner. It doesn’t matter what he’s doing—he reminds me of Brady and Mahomes in the playoffs,” Pavia remarked, adding, “I’m a Cowboys fan, so it hurts, but Tom Brady—he’s undeniable.” Pavia’s passion for sports extends beyond the gridiron, as he even admitted he’d bet against LeBron James, showing his competitive edge.
Pavia’s rise didn’t just boost his public profile; it sent his NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) valuation soaring to a jaw-dropping $711,000. A single game transformed him from a college athlete into a marketing goldmine, and he’s proving he knows how to play the NIL game like a pro. In the wake of the Alabama win, Pavia took to social media platform X to capitalize on his momentum, posting, “For NIL inquiries, hit my agent 5055447267.” The post has since gone viral, gaining traction nationwide and highlighting Pavia’s business-savvy approach.
On3 NIL, a leading platform for college athlete endorsements, also jumped in, amplifying Pavia’s post and listing some of his dream brand partnerships. Pavia isn’t shy about his ambitions; he’s eyeing deals with some of the biggest names out there—Ferrari, Lululemon, Dr. Pepper, and Nike.
It’s been a whirlwind for Pavia, whose life changed in the blink of an eye, all within the 60-minute showdown against Alabama. Now, the question is: how far can he take this newfound fame? One thing’s for sure—Pavia’s got the talent, the charisma, and the marketing chops to keep the spotlight on him for a long time.
