Diego Pavia stats vs Iowa: How did Vanderbilt QB play in ReliaQuest Bowl?

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

If the ReliaQuest Bowl was in fact Diego Pavia's final college football game, the Vanderbilt football starting quarterback's career won't end as he intended it to.

Despite a valiant fourth-quarter comeback effort, Pavia was unable to lead the Commodores to back-to-back bowl wins, as Clark Lea's squad fell to Iowa 34-27 on Wednesday, Dec. 31, inside Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

The loss gives the SEC its sixth loss of the bowl season, which includes Texas A&M and Oklahoma's losses in the first round of the College Football Playoff.

REQUIRED READING: Iowa takes down Vanderbilt in ReliaQuest Bowl: Reaction, updates, highlights

Pavia's individual day didn't go unnoticed in the Commodores' loss, as the Heisman runner-up completed 25-of-38 passes for 347 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed 15 times for 36 yards and another score. As noted by USA TODAY Sports' Ehsan Kassim, Pavia struggled in the first half against the Hawkeyes' defense, as he was sacked four times.

Perhaps the most impressive throw from Pavia on the day came when he dropped a dime into the hands of wide receiver Tre Richardson on the deep post for the 75-yard touchdown in the third quarter.

On second-and-8 in the fourth quarter, Pavia took off and scored on an 11-yard rushing touchdown to cut Iowa's lead to 31-24 with 11:19 left. That served to be the final touchdown score of the 2025 season for Vanderbilt, as the Commodores opted for a 37-yard field goal from Brock Taylor on the ensuing drive in an attempt to save on time.

The defense, however, couldn't get a stop, and Pavia and Co. didn't see the field again.

Here's a deeper look at Pavia's stats at the ReliaQuest Bowl against Iowa:

Diego Pavia stats today vs Iowa in ReliaQuest Bowl

Here's a full look at Pavia's line on Dec. 31 against Iowa:

  • Completions: 25
  • Attempts: 38
  • Completion percentage: 65.7%
  • Passing yards: 347
  • Touchdowns: 2
  • Interceptions: 0
  • Rushing attempts: 15
  • Rushing yards: 36
  • Rushing touchdowns: 1

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Diego Pavia stats: How Vanderbilt QB played in ReliaQuest Bowl loss

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos