In one of the most shocking upsets in recent college football history, the Vanderbilt Commodores toppled the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide, securing a wild 40-35 victory that sent fans flooding onto the field in celebration. Quarterback Diego Pavia led the charge, not only making a national name for himself overnight but also scoring a significant boost to his NIL valuation. Vanderbilt’s win over the Crimson Tide marked their first victory against Alabama since 1984, snapping a 40-year drought that has made Pavia a sensation in Nashville and beyond.
While the SEC slapped Vanderbilt with a $100,000 fine for fans storming the field—a policy violation under SEC regulations—Pavia more than made up for it. His NIL valuation jumped by a staggering $340,000, bringing his total to $711,000, landing him at 88th on the On3 NIL rankings. In the days following the game, Pavia’s win over a powerhouse team like Alabama, and specifically over Heisman contender Jalen Milroe, opened the floodgates for NIL opportunities. He even posted his agent’s phone number on social media, openly inviting potential deals.
Pavia’s rapid rise has included high-profile appearances, such as his recent spot on The Dan Patrick Show and a newly inked partnership with Raising Cane’s. He also dropped a wishlist of brands he’d love to work with, from Lululemon and Ferrari to Nike and Dr. Pepper, playfully noting that his initials, “DP,” would make him a perfect fit for the soda giant.
The win was historic not only for Vanderbilt but also for Alabama, snapping their 134-game winning streak against unranked teams. The loss dropped Alabama from the No. 1 spot, a position now held by Steve Sarkisian’s Texas Longhorns, adding another layer of frustration to a day they’d likely prefer to forget.
For Diego Pavia, however, it was a moment of glory shared with over 70 family members who traveled to Nashville for the game. Reflecting on the unforgettable win, Pavia credited “God’s timing” in his post-game speech, saying, “Look at this. Look at this. Vanderbilt, we are f—— turnt.” Pavia shined on the field, completing 16 of 20 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns, adding 56 rushing yards for good measure.
Vanderbilt’s unlikely win has elevated Pavia into the spotlight, giving him a taste of stardom and a real shot at becoming one of the most marketable names in college football.
