Diego Pavia is receiving Heisman Trophy buzz

Vanderbilt sent shockwaves through the college football universe in Week 6 when the SEC program who was 3-39 in conference play since 2019 knocked off No. 1 Alabama in a low-possession shootout in Nashville. Not surprisingly, the Commodores are doing a ton of national media hits this week.

The most popular man is New Mexico State transfer Diego Pavia. After winning Conference USA Player of the Year in 2023, Pavia followed head coach Jerry Kill and offensive coordinator Tim Beck to the SEC. The quarterback’s high quality play has now slowed down. Pavia is currently on pace to finish the regular season with 2,335 passing yards, 938 rushing yards, and 24 total touchdowns. Those are not crazy numbers, but it’s becoming very clear that Vanderbilt is the most improved team in college football, and the quarterback transfer is the main reason why.

After a huge performance against Alabama where Pavia threw for 252 yards on 12.6 yards per attempt and added 56 rushing yards, some Heisman Trophy buzz has started to arrive. In The Athletic’s Heisman straw poll, Pavia received some third place votes this weeks trailing only Travis Hunter, Ashton Jeanty, and Cam Ward.

This is becoming quite the story.

Will the Diego Pavia party continue in Week 7 against Kentucky? Brad White‘s defense will be the next foe for a Vanderbilt program coming off its biggest high of all-time. The Commodores run a true option offense that is difficult to defend and can control games. Another big game from Pavia could increase that Heisman buzz.

But Kentucky could also end that Heisman buzz with a good defensive performance.

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