Vanderbilt is banking on veteran QB Diego Pavia for another season. For a program that has only managed 54 winning seasons in 121 years, 2024 was pretty memorable. They kicked things off with an impressive win over Virginia Tech from the ACC and wrapped up the season with another victory against Georgia Tech. The cherry on top? They beat Alabama for the first time since 1984! Still, finishing with a 7-6 record has left Clark Lea feeling like there’s some spilled milk to cry over. While there’s a chance for a comeback story, it’s clear they have some rough patches to work on.
The key architect behind their success is Diego Pavia- a guy everyone looks to, a man who fights with the NCAA over the JUCO year eligibility to return to his alma mater for another year. Of course, not for nothing, right? He is gearing up to step up, evolve, and make it big before leaving a footprint. But the Commodores seem to have some unresolved issues in the roster.
Pavia puts his purpose right on the table. He wants to “be a part of a Vandy team that can change the culture and reputation of the program and make more history for years to come.”
But the question is, can he live up to his words? One anonymous head coach has an analytic bombshell to drop. “Pavia is an It factor. He’s not the most talented, but he’s the definition of the college football playmaker. He’s never out of it until play is over. The entire offense improves when he’s clicking,” said the coach from under the cover.
Pavia’s sensational three touchdowns were phenomenal in that 35-27 Birmingham bowl win against Georgia Tech, their first postseason win in 11 years. Pavia used both his arms and legs to traumatize the defenders and walk out with the win. The game MVP completed 13 of 21 passes for 160 yards and gained 84 yards on 17 rushes. His gritty play has been the key factor in transforming the 2-10 to a 7-6.
However, the transformation hasn’t just happened because of only one person. Much of the credit has gone to head coach Clark Lea as well. One man whose name is often missing is their offensive coordinator, Tim Beck. Last year, in their wins over No. 1 Alabama and Kentucky, the Commodores led both games for the entirety of their duration. One key reason behind getting a lead and sustaining it was their ability to control the ball.
You have the possession, and by having it, you’re keeping the opposing offense away from the field. Tim Beck’s scheme relies on a run-first spread option. The run game isn’t monotonous. You get 12 personnel. Multiple read options. There are run-pass options. Kalen DeBoer’s Alabama just couldn’t get Lea’s offense off the field. In crucial third-down situations, either Pavia made the right play or he just ran for double-digit yards.
If the anonymous head coach is to be believed, 2025 may have more in store for Commodore fans. “I think you’ll see more advanced concepts from them this season to mix up their standard option play,” the coach said.
Anonymous Coach Comments on Vanderbilt in Athlon Sports CFB Magazine
“Diego Pavia is an ‘it factor’ guy.
“He’s not the most talented, but he’s the definition of the college football playmaker.” pic.twitter.com/KNXBPZz6Ji
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) May 23, 2025
Diego Pavia has solid ground to capitalize on his momentum, given that tight end Eli Stowers returned for another season to get his back. Pavia and Stowers bring a cohesiveness that’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the next season. Pavia said now all they have is the bigger dream. Finishing above the .500 line for the first time since 2013 has boosted their confidence to the point of unleashing a fiery passion.
But the dream can still remain under the burner if Clark Lea won’t get serious about the roster issues. ”They are still lacking depth on both sides of their scrimmage. That’s probably the biggest weakness right now,” the anonymous coach raised a red flag.
However, with all the doubts and hopes, Diego Pavia looks more thrilled about the relationships he has built over the years in the Vanderbilt locker room and looks forward to continuing them for a further year.
Diego Pavia feeds on the team culture and relationship
While Pavia’s playmaking ability is a huge boost for Vanderbilt, his ability to translate the Conference USA success to the SEC remains a question. Just having Pavia back isn’t going to be the life lifejacket for Coach Clark. Vanderbilt needs to perform at their best.
But the air in the locker room? The off-field chemistry, the secret life force to a successful on-field campaign, and the sportsman spirit are all back with Pavia being back in his boots. The guy who keeps his mates ahead of himself can trigger an entire room to believe in his philosophy, spreading good culture across the lore.
“It feels amazing just to have that like team camaraderie, just being around every single one of them,” Pavia said. “They’re all unique in their own way. And just like laughing in the locker room, cracking jokes, doing stupid stuff, that’s what’s all like spring ball’s about, and then coming out here and competing, and then level one another up….. We’ve got (the national championship) as our goal. We’ve got the talent to do it. It’s just really up to us.” It will be a thing to see how all the inside bonding keeps them tight and sorted throughout a rigorous season brewing up.
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