Diego Pavia

Pavia was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico and attended Volcano Vista High School. In Pavia's high school career, he completed 108 of his 165 pass attempts for 1,485 yards and 14 touchdowns to five interceptions. He also rushed for 464 yards and nine touchdowns.^[1] Pavia would decide to commit to play JUCO football at New Mexico Military Institute.^[2]

New Mexico Military Institute

In Pavia's career at New Mexico Military Institute, he would complete 189 of his 323 passing attempts for 2,644 yards and 31 touchdowns to just four interceptions. He would also rush for 1,107 yards and 15 touchdowns.^[3] In the 2022 season and Pavia's last at New Mexico Military Institute, he would help lead them to a National Championship.^[4]

New Mexico State

Pavia would decide to commit to play college football at New Mexico State University.^[5] Pavia would get his first start with the Aggies in the team's season opener against Nevada, however he struggled heavily turning the ball over four times in the first half and would be benched for Gavin Frankes in a 23–13 loss.^[6] Pavia would get his next start against UTEP and would have a chance to tie the game at UTEP's 13 yard line but he would be strip sacked by Brenton Thompson with three seconds left to end the game.^[7] Pavia would have a career night against Liberty as the Aggies were 24.5 point underdogs; Pavia would help his team shock Liberty as he completed 16 of his 21 passes for 214 yards and three touchdowns. He was also a huge threat on the ground, rushing for 125 yards and three touchdowns.^[8][9] For his performance against Liberty Pavia was named one of the Manning stars of the Week, and was named the Manning Quarterback of the Week.^[10][11] In the Aggies season finale against Valparaiso to become bowl eligible, Pavia again had an outstanding performance going nine for thirteen on his passing attempts for 323 yards and four touchdowns, along with having one rushing touchdown as he left the game up 35–3 in the second quarter with a hamstring injury, as New Mexico State would win 65–3 to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2017.^[12][13] In the Aggies bowl game against Bowling Green, Pavia had a stellar game completing 17 of his 29 passing attempts for 167 yards and two touchdowns to just one interception, where he also rushed for 65 yards.^[14] Pavia made the game-winning play late in the fourth quarter, where on third down Pavia scrambled out of the pocket to his right side and was hit short of the first down line, however as he was hit, he fumbled the ball at his own 45 yards, but as a pile for the ball ensued Pavia recovered the ball past the line to gain to give the Aggies a first down and help end the game, where the Aggies won 24–19.^[15] For his performance in the game Pavia was named the Quick Lane Bowl MVP.^[16][17] Pavia finished the season completing 101 of his 190 pass attempts for 1,450 yards and 13 touchdowns to six interceptions. He also rushed for 508 yards and six touchdowns.^[18] For his performance on the year, he was named All Independent first team by College Football Network.^[19]

On December 23, 2023, Pavia announced that he would be entering the transfer portal.^[20]

Vanderbilt

On January 18, 2024, Pavia announced that he would transfer to Vanderbilt.^[21]

College statistics

• New Mexico State Aggies player bio