Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia Meets Panthers Pre-Draft

Diego Pavia, the Vanderbilt quarterback who finished second in the 2025 Heisman Trophy voting, visited the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday for a top-30 pre-draft meeting, signaling growing interest from NFL teams ahead of the 2026 draft.

The 24-year-old Pavia, projected as a late-round selection or possible undrafted free agent, met with Panthers officials as the team evaluates backup options behind starter Bryce Young. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the visit highlights Carolina's willingness to consider developmental quarterbacks despite Pavia's unconventional profile. The Panthers recently signed Kenny Pickett to a one-year, $7.5 million deal as Young's backup, but they appear open to adding depth with a rookie on a cost-controlled contract, especially as they plan to extend Young's deal following his improved play in 2025.

Pavia's college career culminated in a standout senior season at Vanderbilt, where he earned SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors. He completed 267 of 378 passes for 3,539 yards, 29 touchdowns and eight interceptions, achieving a 70.6 completion percentage and 170.4 quarterback rating. Pavia also rushed for 862 yards and 10 scores, contributing...