Report: Vanderbilt will name Diego Pavia starting quarterback

Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea has finally settled on a starting quarterback this fall for the Commodores. He decided to name Diego Pavia his starting quarterback for the Week 1 vs. Virginia Tech, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Pavia and Nate Johnson had been battling it out for the starting job in fall camp the past few weeks.

Pavia looked better in practices and in a recent scrimmage, according to Aria Gerson of the Nashville Tennessean. Nate Johnson transferred into Vandy from Utah this offseason. In 2023 for the Utes, he threw for 499 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions, while completing 54.2% of his passes. As a runner, he had 59 carries for 235 yards and four touchdowns.

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Pavia was one of the best running quarterbacks in America and since he was at New Mexico State, flew under the radar nationally.

The past two seasons, he did not disappoint, shredding opposing defenses to the tune of over 1,400 total yards and 13 total touchdowns on the ground. As a passer, he carried the Aggies on his back, completing 60.4% of his passes for 2,973 yards, while tossing in 26 touchdowns with nine interceptions. He transferred into Vandy this offseason and he’s got a number of familiar faces on the roster that joined him.

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Vanderbilt also has some familiar faces from the New Mexico State coaching staff. The ‘Dores hired Jerry Kill, who was the head coach for the Aggies. He was hired in Nashville in January of 2024. Kill will serve as the chief consultant to the head coach and senior offensive advisor. Kill and Pavia were two of the most important ingredients in guiding NMSU to their first 10-win season since 1960. Their bowl win in 2022 was their first postseason win since 2017.

Vanderbilt lost a number of wide receivers this offseason

Unfortunately for the starting quarterback for Vanderbilt, their receiving corps was depleted this offseason. Will Sheppard (Colorado), London Humphreys (Georgia), and Jayden McGowan (Boston College), have all moved on from Vandy this offseason. Those were their three top targets last year, but Junior Sherrill and Quincy Skinner are still on the team.

That doesn’t mean Pavia won’t have weapons. Help is on the way in the form of a special physical specimen. Tight end Eli Stowers made The Athletic’s “Freaks List” from Bruce Feldman. And he once again has ties to New Mexico State, transferring to Vandy this offseason. Last year for the Aggies, he hauled in 35 catches for 366 yards and two touchdowns. As a runner, he added 29 rushes for 113 yards and two scores.

He checks in at No. 61 on Feldman’s “Freaks” list. Stowers is dripping with athleticism. In high school, he became a Texas 6A state high jump champion. Standing at 6-foot-4, 239 pounds, he recently posted a vertical leap of 41.5 inches and even broad jumped 10 feet, 8 inches this offseason.

Vanderbilt will kick off their 2024 campaign against the Virginia Tech Hokies on August 31st. Kickoff is set for 11:00 AM local time in Nashville, Tennessee.