Diego Pavia Heisman voter expresses reget

A Heisman Trophy voter expressed remorse Wednesday for voting for Vanderbilt Commodores star Diego Pavia to win the distinguished award.

Rece Davis, an ESPN faculty soccer and basketball broadcaster, mentioned he was glad Pavia did not win after the quarterback dropped an express message following the revelation that Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza had gained the trophy.

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Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia warms up earlier than the sport in opposition to Tennessee, Nov. 29, 2025, in Knoxville. (AP Picture/Wade Payne, file)

Pavia apologized for saying, “F— all voters,” however the message nonetheless resonated.

“Heisman will get plenty of speak, and I do not wish to wrap this up by piling on Diego Pavia as a result of he apologized for his post-Heisman conduct, and that is comprehensible,” Davis mentioned on the radio. “College GameDay Podcast.” “I did not really feel like he owed the voters an apology. He can say no matter he needs to them. As a voter I’ve seen some individuals take offense to that, however I did not. He may say no matter he wished.

“However all his conduct, even with the apology included and accepted, did for me was make me remorse my Heisman vote. I voted for Diego Pavia as a result of I do know the historical past of Vanderbilt. I believed he was probably the most dynamic participant. In Heisman voting, I are inclined to vote for guys who create ‘wow’ moments.”

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Heisman Trophy finalist Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia speaks throughout an NCAA press convention earlier than the awards ceremony, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, in New York. (AP Picture/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)

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Davis mentioned he was extra upset concerning the disrespect towards Mendoza and mentioned he has voted for the Heisman Trophy for the previous 20 years and has solely as soon as earlier than felt regret for his poor judgment of somebody.

“This one was completely different. I regretted the vote as a result of after Pavia’s conduct within the aftermath I believed, ‘Man, I am glad he did not win.’ I am glad he did not win,” Davis added. “You should not suppose that means a couple of participant as nice as Pavia on the pitch.

“I am very completely happy that Mendoza gained as a result of he’ll symbolize the Heisman, however in the best way that I feel he must be represented.”

Mendoza completed first with 643 votes, in comparison with Pavia’s 189.

“I did not deal with these feelings nicely in any respect and did not symbolize myself the best way I wished to,” Pavia mentioned in his apology. “I’ve nice love and respect for the Heisman voters and the choice course of, and I apologize for being disrespectful. It was a mistake and I am sorry.

“Fernando Mendoza is an elite competitor and a deserving winner of the award. I’ve nothing however respect for his achievements and the success Jeremiyah has achieved. [Love] and Julian [Sayin] had this season. I’ve been doubted my whole life,” he wrote.

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia warms up earlier than their sport in opposition to the Missouri Tigers at FirstBank Stadium on Oct. 25, 2025. (Steve Roberts/Imagn Photographs)

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“Each step of my journey, I’ve needed to break down doorways and battle for myself as a result of I’ve realized that nothing can be handed to me. My household has all the time been in my nook, and my teammates, coaches and employees have my six. I like them – I am grateful – and I would not need something to distract from that. I look ahead to competing for my household and with my crew yet another time within the ReliaQuest Bowl.”

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