The Baltimore Ravens have released rookie quarterback Diego Pavia, just days before the start of training camp. The move, made to create roster space for veteran center Ethan Pocic, brought a swift end to Pavia’s time in Baltimore after he signed as a priority undrafted free agent in late April.
Pavia, the 2025 Heisman Trophy runner-up out of Vanderbilt, had joined the Ravens with significant buzz but faced steep competition in a crowded quarterback room headlined by two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and veteran backup Tyler Huntley. With Skylar Thompson and fellow undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano (UConn) also in the mix, the Ravens opted to narrow the battle for the No. 3 spot.
Diego Pavia’s collegiate journey culminated in one of the most remarkable individual seasons in recent Vanderbilt history. After transferring from New Mexico State, the dual-threat quarterback led the Commodores to their first 10-win season ever in 2025, finishing with a 10-3 record and earning a berth in the conversation for the College Football Playoff.
Statistically, Pavia was dominant. In his senior year, he threw for 3,539 passing yards and 29 touchdowns (both school records), while adding 862 rushing yards and 10 rushing scores.
He led the SEC in completion percentage (70.6%) and posted elite total offense numbers, ranking second nationally at roughly 335 yards per game. Across his Vanderbilt tenure, he accounted for an enormous share of the team’s production—often over 70% of yards and plays in key games.
Pavia earned first-team All-American honors, SEC Offensive Player of the Year, and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. He finished second in the 2025 Heisman Trophy voting behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, becoming Vanderbilt’s first-ever Heisman finalist.
The voting was not particularly close—Mendoza dominated with far more first-place votes—but Pavia’s 189 first-place votes and overall second-place finish highlighted his impact on a program turnaround.
His leadership and playmaking ability transformed Vanderbilt. The Commodores posted historic wins against ranked opponents, and Pavia’s moxie, mobility, and efficiency made him one of the most exciting players in college football.
Despite his decorated college career, concerns about Pavia’s size (listed around 5-foot-10), arm strength, and overall NFL projection led to him going undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft—the first Heisman finalist to suffer that fate since 2014.
The Ravens, who had some prior connections through coaching ties (head coach Jesse Minter’s relationship with Vanderbilt’s Clark Lea), signed him to a three-year deal shortly after the draft.
Pavia was viewed as a developmental prospect with intriguing athleticism and leadership qualities, though questions lingered about his fit in a traditional pro-style system.
His outspoken personality also drew attention. Following the Heisman ceremony, Pavia posted an emotional (and later apologized for) social media reaction expressing frustration with the voters.
All of that being said, Pavia displayed clear talent on the collegiate level, so it will be interesting to see if he lands with a quarterback-needy NFL squad sometime this summer.
