Vanderbilt football's Diego Pavia wins Johnny Unitas award

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Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia has won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award.

The award, named after NFL Hall of Famer Johnny Unitas, recognizes the top upperclassman quarterback in college football. Its social media account posted a video of Pavia and Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea's reactions.

"I appreciate that," Pavia said. "That's an awesome accomplishment. I'm super grateful for you guys giving me such a prestigious award."

"That's the first of many, brother," Lea added.

The potential Heisman trophy candidate had his best college football season in 2025, leading Vanderbilt to a 10-2 record and a shot at the College Football Playoff. Pavia has completed 71.2% of his passes for 3,192 yards, 27 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He's also rushed for 826 yards and nine touchdowns on 152 carries.

Pavia will officially receive the award on a livestream on Dec. 12.

Wynton Jackson covers high school sports for Knox News. Email: wynton.jackson@knoxnews.com

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This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia wins Johnny Unitas award

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