Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia brings home SEC Player of the Year award
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
The individual accolades continue to roll in for Vanderbilt. Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia is already a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. In the meantime, he’s now earned the SEC’s top offensive honor.
On Wednesday, the conference announced Pavia as the SEC Offensive Player of the Year.
Pavia’s superb play has helped Vanderbilt achieve its first double-digit victory season ever. The 6-foot senior has been a revelation for Vanderbilt after transferring from New Mexico State.
Pavia has passed for 3,192 yards with 27 touchdowns, eight interceptions, and an 87.7 QBR (No. 4 nationally). The dual-threat Pavia has also rushed for 826 yards and 9 scores this season. Pavia is No. 1 in the SEC in completion percentage (71.2), touchdown passes, and pass efficiency (181.5).
This is a step up from Pavia’s first season with Vanderbilt, which was also solid. In 2024, Pavia passed for 2,293 yards, 20 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, and a 143.5 passer rating, while also rushing for 800 yards and 8 scores.
In Pavia’s last game, a 45-24 victory at Tennessee, he was more successful on the ground with 165 yards and a touchdown.
Additionally, Vanderbilt’s Clark Lea was selected as the SEC Coach of the Year. Vanderbilt will conclude its season against Iowa in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Dec. 31 (12 p.m. ET/ESPN).
