Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt’s outspoken quarterback, has sparked buzz with his latest bold claim. He recently told the Paul Finebaum Show. That the Commodores are aiming for a national championship in 2025. This statement comes after just one winning season in the past decade. In 2024 Vanderbilt finished 7-6 last season, yet, Pavia’s confidence seems to outpace the team’s modest track record.
This isn’t the first time Pavia has made wild comments. His pattern of ambitious remarks has caught attention. For example, Netflix’s new SEC documentary, “Any Given Saturday,” highlights his spicy takes from last fall. In the series, Pavia didn’t hold back about rival Tennessee.
“We can beat Tennessee literally any given Saturday,” he boldly stated. “They think they’re going to destroy us. F— every single one of them dudes. We’re gonna win this game at all cost.”
This fiery words show his fearless attitude.
Diego Pavia says Vanderbilt is coming for it all this season 🏆 👀
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) August 7, 2025
(via @finebaum) pic.twitter.com/b474tHaOcY
Moreover, Pavia has taken shots at the Big Ten. On the “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast in June, he dismissed the conference’s competitiveness.
“You want to play with the best. You don’t want to play with the Big Ten. You ignore those calls. You know that,” he argued. “Sure, the Big Ten has a couple of good teams, but the SEC is a weekly gauntlet. You’ve got to think about this, too. The SEC is, like, nothing. Like, okay, the Big Ten, you have Ohio State, Oregon. The SEC, it’s like week after week. You’re going to get beat on. The Big Ten, you’re not gonna get beat on with the Purdues and Nebraskas.”
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A Decade of Losing
Building on last season’s success, Vanderbilt’s 7-6 record marked a significant turning point for the program. After a decade of struggles the team benefited from changes following coach Derek Mason’s 2020 firing. Initially interim coach Todd Fitch stepped in. Then later leadership shifts laid the groundwork as Clark Lea took over in 2021. Pavia’s arrival from New Mexico State added a spark, on and off the field. As a result, this resurgence has sparked considerable optimism for the future.
However, his national championship claim feels premature, with only one winning season in 10 years. Vanderbilt’s history suggests caution. Lea supports Pavia’s authentic leadership style. Yet, many wonder if his confidence is more bravado than reality. For now, Pavia’s bold words keep the spotlight on Vanderbilt, for better or worse.
Pavia might be at Vanderbilt during the perfect time. As they complete a $300 million stadium renovation that will have a 40,000-seat capacity, including more than 1,700 club seats and 30-plus private suites to enhance the game-day experience. A new concourse will double the available fan space, and upgraded dining options will be available.
He’ll get his chance to backup his words about Tennessee when Vandy plays at Tennessee on Nov. 29.
