Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia is getting absolutely crushed on social media ahead of Saturday night’s Heisman Trophy ceremony.
Pavia had an excellent 2025 season, completing 71.2% of his passes for 3,192 yards with 27 touchdowns and eight interceptions. The dual-threat quarterback also had 826 rushing yards and nine scores on 152 carries. Although he put the Commodores back on the map, he’s not expected to win the Heisman Trophy this weekend.
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Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is the odds-on favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. While his production has been great (2,980 passing yards and 39 total touchdowns), it was his clutch playmaking in the Big Ten Championship that may have secured him the award. After all, he defeated Ohio State and fellow Heisman finalist Julian Sayin.
On Friday afternoon, Mendoza, Pavia and Sayin arrived in New York to speak to the media. Let’s just say fans weren’t pleased with how Pavia conducted himself.
Pavia, 23, had his earbuds in as he was shaking hands. Fans also pointed out how he was going for a casual embrace instead of a professional one.
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Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) passes against Tennessee during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025.
“Pavia is classless,” one fan said.
“Why the heck does Pavia got his headphones in,” a second fan asked.
“Pavia with the earbuds,” another fan wrote on social media. “Have some class pal.”
“Fernando Mendoza comes off a week of prayer and preparing for the College Football Playoff with attentive handshakes and respectful eye contact,” a social media user commented. “Diego Pavia comes off his podcast and Twitch stream tour with headphones in dressed like a slob.”
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How to watch Heisman Trophy ceremony.
This year’s ceremony will take place in New York City at Lincoln Center’s Appel Room. It’ll be televised at 7 p.m. ET on ABC.
ESPN’s Chris Fowler will host Saturday’s ceremony alongside Heisman Trophy winners in Desmond Howard, Tim Tebow and Andre Ware.
Who do you think will win the Heisman?
This story was originally published by The Spun on Dec 12, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.