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Vanderbilt’s athletic director released a statement Monday following quarterback Diego Pavia’s “F-All the voters” comment on his social media following last weekend’s Heisman Trophy results.
Pavie was far behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, the quarterback who led the Hoosiers to a perfect 13-0 record and the Big Ten championship before the College Football Playoff (CFP).
In a photo with his fellow Commodores teammates, Pavia captioned a post on his Instagram Stories with his comment that has since gone viral.
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Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Diego Pavia of the Vanderbilt Commodores poses with the Heisman Memorial Trophy before the 2025 Heisman Trophy presentation at the Marriott Marquis Hotel on December 13, 2025 in New York. (Adam Faim/Getty Images)
“Diego knows his actions were unacceptable and he has apologized,” athletic director Candice Lee said in a statement to The Tennessean on Monday. “I know he is contrite and regrets the harm he has caused. He is a passionate and authentic competitor, and while his authenticity has been nurtured and celebrated here, that does not change the responsibility that comes with representing Vanderbilt University.
“We believe in growth and responsibility, and we will continue to support Diego as he learns from this moment.”
VANDERBILT QUARTERBACK DIEGO PAVIA DROPS F-BOMB AT HEISMAN VOTERS AFTER LOSSING TROPHY TO FERNANDO MENDOZA
Pavie later apologized for her comments, via X.
“I did not handle these emotions well at all and I did not represent myself the way I wanted to,” he wrote in a statement. “I have a lot of love and respect for the Heisman voters and the selection process, and I apologize for being disrespectful. It was a mistake and I’m sorry.”
Pavia, 23, finished in second place, although she was a distant second after receiving 189 votes for first place, compared to Mendoza’s 643. He also apologized to Mendoza in his statement.
Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Diego Pavia of the Vanderbilt Commodores speaks during a press conference before the 2025 Heisman Trophy presentation at the Marriott Marquis Hotel on December 13, 2025 in New York. (Adam Faim/Getty Images)
“Fernando Mendoza is an elite competitor and a deserving recipient of this award. I have nothing but respect for his accomplishments as well as Jeremiyah’s success. [Love] and Julien [Sayin] had this season. I have doubted my whole life,” he wrote.
“At every step of my journey, I’ve had to kick down doors and fight for myself, as I learned that nothing would be given to me. My family has always been by my side, and my teammates, coaches and staff have my six. I love them – I’m grateful for them – and I wouldn’t want anything to distract from that. I look forward to competing in front of my family and with my team once again in the ReliaQuest Bowl.”
Pavie, playing his sophomore season at Vanderbilt after starting at New Mexico State, led the SEC with a 71.2 percent passing rate with 27 touchdowns, 3,192 passing yards and nine rushing scores as well. He rushed for 826 yards on 152 attempts.
Pavia’s reaction to the voting results isn’t exactly a shock, as he was always confident in himself to the point where he kept telling voters to send him to New York because he felt he deserved the Heisman.
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)
“The Heisman Trophy winner goes to the best player in college football,” Pavia said on OutKick’s “Hot Mic.” “I believe that to be myself, you have to check the numbers and above all, there are two things that don’t lie to you: the numbers and the tape. I’ve been taught that since I was young, you’re going to check that. I feel like I’m without a doubt the best player in college football.”
Vanderbilt was 10-2 this year, ranking 14th nationally at season’s end.
