Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia Criticizes Big Ten, Projects SEC Dominance

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia is entering his final college football season with high confidence after leading the Commodores to a surprise 7-6 record in 2024, including a historic upset of No. 1 Alabama. Pavia has been outspoken about the dominance of the SEC over the Big Ten, dismissing Big Ten competition while praising the SEC's rigorous weekly challenges, and even took shots at Big Ten programs Purdue and Nebraska. He boldly predicted Vanderbilt would surpass in-state rival Tennessee, claiming the Commodores will become the new powerhouse in Tennessee college football. Pavia's leadership and brashness underscore a new era for Vanderbilt, which has historically struggled, but now aims to prove its 2024 success was not a fluke and that they have national championship aspirations. His comments have sparked attention and controversy, especially given Vanderbilt's recent football history and its position within the SEC and broader college football landscape.