Diego Pavia, the Vanderbilt quarterback who finished second in the 2025 Heisman Trophy voting, says he plans to play in the UFL. He announced it on social media on the night of Tuesday, October 21, 2026, about three months after the Baltimore Ravens waived him. Nothing is signed yet, and no team has been named. Here is what is confirmed, what is not, and what to watch before the league’s draft.
Key takeaways
- Pavia said on October 21 that he intends to play in the UFL next season.
- He said his agent, Malki Kawa, and the league are still negotiating, so no deal is final.
- Pro Football Talk reports the UFL draft is set for November 18, with the Columbus Aviators holding the first pick.
- No team has been named, and Pavia has not said which club he hopes to join.
- He went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, signed with the Ravens, and was waived before training camp.
What did Diego Pavia announce?
In a post on X on Tuesday night, Pavia said he plans to join the UFL and that his agent and the league are “currently in negotiations to make this happen.” He also said he would give a team “everything I got.” Both Pro Football Talk and Saturday Down South carried the story. Neither named a team, and neither reported a signed contract, so treat this as an intention, not a done deal.
When is the UFL draft?
Pro Football Talk reports the draft is on November 18, and Saturday Down South says Pavia is eligible for it. We have not found an official explanation of how he would enter the draft, or whether a team could sign him before it. Check the league’s own announcements for the process.
How did he get here? A short timeline
- 2025 season: Pavia leads Vanderbilt to its first 10-win season and a No. 15 finish in the final AP poll, and places second in the Heisman voting.
- April 2026: He is not selected in the NFL Draft. Sporting News noted he was the first Heisman finalist to go undrafted since 2014.
- After the draft: He signs with the Baltimore Ravens and attends rookie minicamp.
- July 23, 2026: The Ravens waive him ahead of training camp.
- October 21, 2026: Pavia says he plans to play in the UFL.
What did Pavia do at Vanderbilt?
His final college season is the reason the UFL story draws interest. According to the figures Saturday Down South published, Pavia completed 267 of 378 passes (70.6%) for 3,539 yards, 29 touchdowns and 8 interceptions, and led the SEC in completion percentage and passing touchdowns. He also ran 167 times for 862 yards (5.2 per carry) and 10 touchdowns.
| 2025 stat | Diego Pavia |
|---|---|
| Completions / attempts | 267 / 378 (70.6%) |
| Passing yards | 3,539 |
| Passing TD / INT | 29 / 8 |
| Rushing | 167 carries, 862 yards, 10 TD |
| Team result | First 10-win season at Vanderbilt, No. 15 in final AP poll |
Why did the NFL pass on him?
Reports differ in emphasis, and no team has explained its thinking publicly. Saturday Down South’s author points to his smaller stature and to off-field incidents. Our earlier report on the Ravens’ move also noted questions about his size and a crowded quarterback room in Baltimore. Those are outside assessments, not statements from NFL teams.
Could he still reach the NFL from the UFL?
Nothing we found says the UFL closes that door. NFL teams do sign players from other professional leagues, and a strong spring season gives scouts new tape. That is our reading of how roster building works, not a prediction about Pavia, and none of the sources we read make that claim for him.
What to watch next
- An official UFL or team announcement confirming a signing or his draft status.
- The November 18 draft order, since the Columbus Aviators pick first.
- Any comment from Pavia or agent Malki Kawa on terms or the team.
- Whether any NFL club shows workout interest in the meantime.
FAQ
Has Diego Pavia signed with a UFL team? Not as far as we can find. As of October 26, 2026, the reports say negotiations are ongoing.
Is Diego Pavia still with the Ravens? No. Baltimore waived him on July 23, 2026, before training camp.
Did Pavia win the Heisman? No. He finished second in the 2025 voting.
Which team picks first in the UFL draft? According to Pro Football Talk, the Columbus Aviators.
For more, visit our Sports section.
Reporting based on Pro Football Talk (NBC Sports) and Saturday Down South, plus Fox Sports player news. We have not seen a UFL statement confirming the draft process.
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