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Heisman Trophy finalist Diego Pavia gained attention on social media this week after saying he was undrafted ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. But his agent provided some clarification Wednesday, suggesting Pavie was handling his own affairs while in college.
Pavie made the comments during an appearance on Jon Gruden’s Barstool Sports show, “Gruden’s QB class”, while discussing his decision to return to Vanderbilt after the 2024 season.
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates after the team’s victory at Kentucky at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. (Mark Zaleski/The Tennessean)
“Everybody had a quarterback in the SEC. So, there wasn’t anywhere I – I mean, there were a few places I could go, but I knew where I wanted to stay. And so, I told the general manager, ‘You guys kind of took me by the balls. You know, guys. [head coach Jerry Kill], [offensive coordinator Tim Beck] is here. You know, I’ll come back.
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“Let’s find a reasonable number I can come back for.” “And so, we found a solution,” Pavia added, speaking of a name, image and likeness (NIL) agreement.
Former NFL coach Jon Gruden asked if Pavie had an agent, but he said no.
“No, I represent myself. I didn’t think it was fair for someone to represent me and take 5-10%. Nobody takes my money. Tell yourself that.”
Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) throws a pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the first quarter during the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2025. (Nathan Ray Seebeck/Imagn Images)
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The shocking decision surprised many, but Pavia’s agent posted on social media clarifying that the NFL prospect was talking about his NIL negotiations, not his upcoming professional career.
“Please stop this nonsense. He didn’t have a NIL AGENT. I am his agent for the NFL,” Malki Kawa, founder and CEO of First Round MGMT, said in an article on X.
It was announced in January on Pavia’s Instagram that he had signed with Kawa’s group before the draft.
Diego Pavia of the Vanderbilt Commodores warms up before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
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Pavie was reportedly visiting with the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday. He is expected to be a late-round pick despite a stellar season at Vanderbilt that saw him throw for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns with eight interceptions while adding 862 rushing yards and 10 scores.
