As Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia enters the 2025 college football season, speculation continues to swirl about whether he could somehow return for an additional year in 2026. Despite Pavia publicly stating that this will be his final season, rumors persist — fueled by his ongoing legal battle with the NCAA and a broader conversation about eligibility rules for former junior college athletes.
Diego Pavia 2026 Rumors: Vanderbilt Star QB’s Eligibility
Background: An Unconventional Path
Pavia’s college football journey has been far from typical. He began at New Mexico Military Institute, a junior college, before transferring to New Mexico State and eventually landing at Vanderbilt. His time at the JUCO level, where national exposure and NIL opportunities are limited, is now central to the legal arguments being made in his case against the NCAA.
The Legal Challenge
In late 2024, Pavia filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, arguing that its eligibility rules, particularly those counting JUCO seasons against the five-year clock, are unfair and potentially violate federal antitrust laws. His claim is that athletes who begin their careers at junior colleges are disadvantaged, as those seasons reduce their eligibility despite providing fewer opportunities for development and financial support.
A federal court granted Pavia a preliminary injunction, allowing him to play in 2025 — a rare sixth year of eligibility. The ruling marked a significant moment in his case and spurred the NCAA to issue a broader waiver for similarly affected JUCO athletes, signaling recognition of the issue’s legitimacy.
What Pavia Has Said
Through it all, Pavia has been consistent in public statements: 2025 will be his final season of college football. He has made it clear that he does not intend to pursue a seventh year in 2026. However, the legal arguments being made on his behalf could still open the door to that possibility — even if he ultimately chooses not to walk through it.
Why the Rumors Continue
Speculation about a potential 2026 return isn’t without foundation. Legal filings from Pavia’s camp aim to establish a broader precedent — not just for him, but for all former JUCO athletes. They argue that the current method of calculating eligibility should be reformed. If the courts rule in his favor, it could set legal precedent that allows Pavia, or others in similar situations, to seek an additional year of eligibility.
The fact that the NCAA already granted a temporary waiver for the 2025 season also shows a willingness to bend — at least slightly — under legal pressure. If future rulings further redefine how eligibility is counted, Pavia could theoretically be eligible again, even if he’s not actively pursuing that outcome.
Implications for the NCAA and College Football
Even if Pavia doesn’t seek another season, his case could have long-term implications for how the NCAA handles eligibility for JUCO athletes. It raises broader questions about fairness, access to NIL compensation, and the value of seasons spent at less-resourced programs. His lawsuit is part of a growing wave of legal challenges pushing the NCAA to modernize and adapt its rules to today’s college football landscape.
The case also intersects with NIL debates. Many former JUCO players argue that they missed out on early NIL opportunities and deserve more time at the Division I level to capitalize on them. Pavia’s legal team is using that argument as part of their effort to extend eligibility windows — for him and others.
The Bottom Line
As things stand, Diego Pavia appears fully committed to making the 2025 season his last. Still, the legal battle he’s engaged in may have ripple effects far beyond his final year. While there’s no direct evidence he intends to return in 2026, the legal groundwork being laid could redefine eligibility rules for years to come.
For now, Pavia’s focus remains on the field. But off it, he may continue to influence the future of college football — not just for himself, but for the many athletes who follow a similar path.
Main Image: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
