Diego Pavia Hit the Heisman Celebration Despite Being Massive Underdog

It’s hard to see a world where Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia wins the Heisman.

While the polarizing quarterback had some buzz, the Commodores are firmly behind Ohio State and Indiana, whose quarterbacks will likely battle it out for the Heisman during the Big Ten Championship next weekend.

But that is not stopping Pavia from campaigning for himself, hitting the Heisman pose touchdown celebration during Vanderbilt’s 45-24 victory against Tennessee on Saturday.

Pavia was 18-for-28 passing for 268 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He also added another touchdown rushing on 20 attempts for 165 yards.

While he is one of the most polarizing players in college football this season, he finds himself with +650 odds to win the Heisman. That’s behind Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (+600), Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin (+155), and Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (+120).

Pavia’s Heisman campaign is stronger than some might believe.

The Commodores are the No. 14 team in the nation — impressive on its own. But Pavia’s supporters run much deeper than just Vanderbilt and SEC fans.

He has made college football fun. He has attitude and swagger that Sayin and Mendoza just don’t have. He’s undersized and not much of an NFL prospect, but he embodies why fans love college football.

There’s a bit of Johnny Manziel and Baker Mayfield in Pavia. Manziel has even mentored him, sharing wisdom on not repeating past mistakes.

Unfortunately, being fun isn’t enough to be named college football’s most outstanding player this season.

Last year, the Heisman went to do-it-all two-way superstar Travis Hunter, who turned Colorado into a bowl contender after being a laughing stock just two seasons prior. This season, the award will likely go to whichever quarterback wins the Big Ten and punches their ticket into the College Football Playoff as the nation’s top-ranked team.

At plus-money, both Mendoza and Sayin offer better betting value than Pavia. Neither may be as fun, but they’re competing on a much bigger stage.

If Sayin beats Indiana on Saturday, the first-year starter will end his undefeated season with an exclamation mark. But if Mendoza beats Ohio State, he’ll be the unquestioned top quarterback in the nation, especially given the Buckeyes’ dominant defense.

College football fans will remember Pavia fondly. Unfortunately, that memory likely won’t include him as a Heisman Trophy winner.