Vanderbilt QB Pavia Measures Shorter at Senior Bowl

Diego Pavia, the Vanderbilt quarterback and Heisman Trophy runner-up, measured shorter than his listed height during practices at the Senior Bowl on Monday, raising questions about his NFL prospects as he eyes a professional career.

Official measurements at the event, which serves as a showcase for top college seniors ahead of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in late February, pegged Pavia at 5 feet, 9 and 7/8 inches tall and 198 pounds. That falls well below the 6 feet and 207 pounds Vanderbilt had him listed at on its website for the 2025 season. The discrepancy drew immediate attention from scouts and observers, echoing online scrutiny Pavia faced after appearing noticeably shorter than other Heisman finalists during the December ceremony in New York.

Pavia addressed the measurements directly with reporters, expressing confidence despite the lifelong doubts about his stature. "My size has been doubted my whole life," he said. "I feel like the only thing the NFL cares about is can you win, and I view myself as a winner." He added that any team drafting him would benefit from his determination. "Whoever takes a chance on me, they're gonna win, guaranteed," Pavia stated.