Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia has been granted a temporary injuction that will allow him to play another season of college football in 20205.
The court sided with Pavia’s claim that the NCAA’s rules on junior college participation counting against eligibility violates antitrust law.
Pavia played two seasons at New Mexico Military Institute before transferring to New Mexico State and later Vanderbilt.
Under previous rules, Pavia was granted the typical four years, plus the blanket waiver Covid season after playing in 2020, which allowed him to play in 2024.
However, Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea told 247Sports that the program was largely planning as if Pavia would be back next season.
Diego Pavia, quarterback for Vanderbilt, has been given a temporary injunction that will enable him to participate in another collegiate football season in 20205. Pavia claimed the NCAA’s junior college participation rules that count against eligibility violated antitrust law, and the court agreed.
After attending New Mexico Military Institute for two seasons, Pavia transferred to New Mexico State and then Vanderbilt. Prior regulations gave Pavia the usual four years in addition to the Covid season blanket waiver after he played in 2020, allowing him to play in 2024.
His attorney argues that, particularly in the NIL era, his time at a JUCO should not count toward his NCAA clock. Pavia stated in earlier documents that if he returned in 2025, he could earn over $1 million in revenue sharing and NIL.
Pavia had his first season at the power conference level in 2024, and it was an incredible one. Vanderbilt’s first bowl game since 2018 was won by the Albuquerque, New Mexico native, who threw for 2,133 yards, ran for 716, and scored 23 touchdowns in all. He guided the Commodores to a startling victory over the then-No. For the first time since 1984, the program defeated the Tide, defeating Alabama.
The decision may still be affected by the protracted legal proceedings that are anticipated to unfold in the upcoming months, even though the ruling currently qualifies Pavia. Clark Lea, the coach of Vanderbilt, told 247Sports that the team was preparing mainly for Pavia’s return the following season.
“Obviously, there is always anxiety associated with the unknown,” Lea stated. Diego’s presence is obviously desired. We would like him to participate in this. He desires to participate in this. When we finally receive the go-ahead, there will be a huge celebration. We’ve prepared ourselves to be prepared for that as well, should the story change in that direction for any reason. “,”.
