Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia has emerged as one of the standout players in the 2024 college football season, and he is now looking to capitalize on his success. According to Chris Lee from Vandy Sports, Pavia is suing the NCAA in hopes of securing an additional year of eligibility for 2025.
On Friday, Pavia’s legal team submitted two briefs to the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee in Nashville. Pavia is contesting NCAA regulations that penalize him for his time spent at junior college, arguing that players from junior colleges typically have limited opportunities to earn money through NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals.
Ryan Downton, Pavia’s attorney, indicated to Vandy Sports that a hearing could be scheduled by the judge within the next two to three weeks. Pavia played two seasons at the New Mexico Military Institute before transferring to New Mexico State University for another two seasons, ultimately moving to Vanderbilt for what was expected to be his final year.
Downton remarked on the shifting dynamics in college football, stating, “The landscape of college football has changed dramatically over the last forty years. It has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry, with top athletes now able to earn millions annually from NIL opportunities.”
He contended that junior college football cannot be directly compared to NCAA Division I football and that the NCAA’s rules penalizing players for junior college seasons are no longer justifiable under U.S. antitrust laws. Downton added that the restrictions in this case are similar to those repealed by the NCAA in a recent ruling following a temporary restraining order in the State of Ohio vs. NCAA case. He expressed optimism about working with the NCAA to achieve a fair resolution to the lawsuit.
Pavia has passed for 1,677 yards, throwing 15 touchdowns and only three interceptions for the 6-3 Commodores, who have become bowl-eligible for the first time since 2018. Additionally, he’s rushed for 563 yards and scored four touchdowns, guiding the team to its first victory over Alabama since 1984
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