Pavia Backs SEC, Rejects NIL Offers from Both Leagues

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia has publicly reignited the SEC vs. Big Ten debate, strongly favoring the SEC's depth and competition despite the Big Ten producing the last two national champions. Pavia revealed that he received and turned down multimillion-dollar NIL offers from both SEC and Big Ten schools, choosing to remain at Vanderbilt after a successful season highlighted by a win over Alabama. He argued that the SEC's weekly competition is unmatched, aside from a few Big Ten standout players like Abdul Carter, and criticized lower-tier Big Ten teams such as Purdue and Nebraska. Pavia made his comments on multiple platforms, including the 'Bussin’ with the Boys' podcast. He also asserted that Vanderbilt is poised to surpass Tennessee as the state's leading football program, a claim that has drawn skepticism given Vanderbilt's recent 6-6 record. The debate over conference supremacy continues with strong opinions on both sides as the new season approaches.