Sportsvival honors Vanderbilt’s quarterback Diego Pavia as this week’s Impact HVAC Player of the Week after his leadership-fueled upset of LSU.
Player of the Week
Diego Pavia — QB, Vanderbilt Line: 14–22; 160 passing yards; 1 passing touchdown; 86 rushing yards; 2 rushing touchdowns. Pavia delivered a complete, win-first performance that lifted Vanderbilt past LSU, using command of the offense, clutch plays, and relentless competitiveness to close the game.
Leadership and Heisman Case
Pavia’s stat line undercounts his influence. He controlled the huddle, managed field position, and consistently made the right read on late-down situations, turning tight possessions into scoring opportunities. His two rushing touchdowns and decisive fourth-quarter leadership amplified Vanderbilt’s momentum and swung the scoreboard in their favor. That combination of poise, toughness, and late-game production is the kind of narrative that elevates a player into Heisman conversation, even when the box score looks modest. Voters value wins and impact moments; Pavia is stacking both.
Game-changing moments
Third-quarter drive where Pavia converted a pair of critical third downs with short throws and a quarterback run that set up a momentum-shifting touchdown.
Two red-zone rushing TDs that erased deficits and forced LSU to alter defensive looks for the remainder of the game.
Scouting takeaway
Pavia profiles as a mobile, situationally savvy quarterback who thrives under pressure. His pocket awareness and willingness to finish runs add a late-breakdown toughness that few opposing defenses can anticipate. As opponents game-plan for him, his decision-making and dual-threat finishing ability will keep him effective and elevate his draft and award stock.
Finalists who just missed the award
Julian Sayin — QB, Ohio State: 36–42; 393 yards; 4 TDs.
Gunner Stockton — QB, Georgia: 26–31; 289 yards; 4 TDs.
Jeremiyah Love — RB, Notre Dame: 24 carries; 228 yards; 1 TD.
Yhonzae Pierre — LB, Alabama: 6 tackles; 3 sacks.
Chris Ball — WR, Louisville: 9 receptions; 136 yards; 2 TDs.
Kaleb Elarms-Orr — LB, TCU: 16 tackles.
Xavier Nwankpa — DB, Iowa: 10 tackles; 1 INT; 1 forced fumble.
Each finalist posted outstanding individual performances, but Pavia’s leadership and multi-phase game control in a signature upset made him this week’s selection.
(photo courtesy of Saturday Down South)