In Vanderbilt University, the spotlight is on quarterback Diego Pavia, who is currently suing the NCAA in an effort to extend his college football career. Pavia claims that the current rules which count junior college seasons against NCAA eligibility “unjustifiably restrains” athletes from making money off their name, image, and likeness (NIL) for the full four years of eligibility.
The 22-year-old, originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, played two years at New Mexico Military Institute before transferring to New Mexico State, where he played another two seasons. Pavia now finds himself at Vanderbilt, where he is asking the U.S. District Court in the Middle District of Tennessee for two additional years of NCAA eligibility, compensating for his time spent in junior college.
So far at Vanderbilt, Pavia has showcased his talent by throwing for 1,677 yards, racking up 15 touchdowns, and only three interceptions. His impressive performance has contributed to the Commodores achieving a solid 6–3 record in their first nine games. Notably, he led the team to their first victory over Alabama since 1984, a feat that has boosted both his and the program’s reputation.
The crux of Pavia’s lawsuit argues that the NCAA’s regulations, including rules that do not allow redshirts after an athlete has already played four years at an NCAA school, violate antitrust laws. He believes these restrictions cause college players like him to miss out on potential NIL earnings.
Pavia’s situation highlights the ongoing debate over NCAA rules regarding eligibility and the ability of college athletes to profit from their personal brand. As this legal battle unfolds, many are watching closely to see how it could potentially change the landscape for future college athletes.
