Why Diego Pavia's decision to play in ReliaQuest Bowl wasn't a surprise to Vanderbilt

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TAMPA, FL ― There was never a doubt to Diego Pavia's teammates that he would play in the ReliaQuest Bowl.

Pavia officially committed to playing in the game before the Heisman ceremony and has been participating in practices with the team in Tampa. No. 12 Vanderbilt football (10-2) will play Iowa (8-4) on Dec. 31 (11 a.m. CT, ESPN) at Raymond James Stadium.

"He means a lot to this program," offensive lineman Cade McConnell said. "So for him to come back and play and give us one last ride with his boys, I think that's really special. And if anyone knows Diego, he's the ultimate competitor. So I think he would have had to cut his legs off for him to not play in this game, to be honest. … I'm really excited to get one last thing with him."

In 12 games this season, Pavia went 242-for-340 passing for 3,192 yards, 27 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also ran 152 times for 826 yards and nine touchdowns. He already holds the Vanderbilt single-season records for passing yards and passing touchdowns and was the first Heisman finalist in school history. He was also named the SEC Offensive Player of the Year and The Tennessean's 2025 Sportsperson of the Year.

When Pavia committed to playing in the game, he said, "I want to win" as his reasoning.

"It's a blessing to be able to play with that man," Vanderbilt wide receiver Junior Sherrill said. "And just to put us on the international stage that he did with his Heisman."

Pavia will face off against Hawkeyes quarterback Mark Gronowski. Both teams have had few opt-outs for the game; the Commodores will be without tight end Eli Stowers but have no other significant opt-outs. Iowa also does not have any significant opt-outs.

This bowl is the closing of a chapter of sorts for Pavia and Vanderbilt. Pavia plans to declare for the NFL draft and accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl. The Commodores look set to turn their offense over to 5-star freshman Jared Curtis in 2026. But there's still history to be made for Pavia as a win could get Vanderbilt an 11th victory for the first time ever.

"He's a great leader, a great teammate, a great person," edge rusher Miles Capers said. " … I knew he was going to play because I know the competitor he is."

Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at agerson@gannett.com or on X @aria_gerson.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Diego Pavia to play in Vanderbilt bowl, how teammates reacted

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