NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In an important legal move, Diego Pavia, the star quarterback at Vanderbilt University, has filed a lawsuit against the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). His case is centered around the association’s “JUCO Eligibility Limitation Bylaws”, which Pavia argues limit the playing time of former junior college football players who transfer to NCAA Division I schools.
Pavia’s lawsuit highlights his concerns about the “Five-Year Rule” and the “Eligibility Clock” that are part of the bylaws. According to the lawsuit, these regulations restrict athletes’ opportunities to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Pavia’s journey to Vanderbilt involved playing two seasons at New Mexico Military Institute and two more at New Mexico State before making the move to Vanderbilt.
The lawsuit states, “Pavia brings this action to put a stop to the unjustified, anticompetitive restriction on universities who seek to compete for college athletes, and to restore freedom of economic opportunity for himself and other college football players.”
As part of his demands, the lawsuit requests that the NCAA grants Pavia an additional two seasons of eligibility, which would allow him to compete in NCAA Division I sports during the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 seasons. This case could have significant implications for college athletes, especially those transitioning from junior colleges to Division I programs.
The outcome of this lawsuit may impact not only Pavia’s future but could also change the landscape for many student-athletes navigating the complexities of eligibility and financial opportunities in college sports.
