Vanderbilt University quarterback Diego Pavia has apologized for his comments after finishing second in votes Saturday for the 2025 Heisman Trophy behind Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
As reported by Maura Carey of The Associated Press, Mendoza became the first Hoosier to win the award, and the competition wasn’t particularly close. The Indiana quarterback earned 2,362 points, including 643 first-place votes. Pavia was next in line with 1,435 points. The two other finalists were Notre Dame running back Jeremiah Love (719 points) and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin (432 points).
After the ceremony, Pavia reposted an Instagram story of himself and his offensive line captioned “F-ALL THE VOTERS, BUT.....FAMILY FOR LIFE.” He also reposted comments from Skip Bayless on social media, stating that the Vanderbilt signal-caller should’ve won the award and seemingly throwing a jab at Mendoza’s six-minute acceptance speech. Pavia was photographed at a club later that night with a sign reading “F— Indiana” in his section.
Pavia posted an apology Saturday night on social media.
“Being a part of the Heisman ceremony last night as a finalist was such an honor. As a competitor, just like in everything I do I wanted to win. To be so close to my dream and come up short was painful," he wrote. "I didn’t handle those emotions well at all and did not represent myself the way I wanted to. I have much love and respect for the Heisman voters and the selection process, and I apologize for being disrespectful. It was a mistake, and I am sorry.”
Last year, Pavia took on the NCAA in a legal battle over its eligibility rules.
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“I’ve been doubted my whole life," he wrote Saturday. "Every step of my journey I’ve had to break down doors and fight for myself, because I’ve learned that nothing would be handed to me. My family has always been in my corner, and my teammates, coaches and staff have my six. I love them — I am grateful for them."
The Vanderbilt athletic department has since responded to the post-Heisman controversy.
"Diego knows his actions were unacceptable and he has apologized," athletic director Candice Lee said in a Dec. 15 statement to The Tennessean. "I know he is contrite and regrets the hurt he caused. He is a passionate and authentic competitor, and while his authenticity has been nurtured and celebrated here, it does not change the responsibility that comes with representing Vanderbilt University.
"We believe in growth and accountability, and we will continue to support Diego as he learns from this moment."
