Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia’s historic 2025 season ended in frustration Saturday night, with the standout signal-caller taking to Instagram to post “F*ck all the voters” shortly after finishing second in the Heisman Trophy race.
The explicit post appeared on Pavia’s Instagram Story moments after Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza was announced as the winner. Although the image was deleted approximately 20 minutes later, screenshots of the outburst immediately circulated across social media platforms, casting a shadow over what had been a celebratory night for the university.
Had to go verify myself if this Diego Pavia IG story was real and sure enough, it is pic.twitter.com/z3asgTwiUT
— Sidelines – Bama (@SSN_Alabama) December 14, 2025
Pavia’s reaction has reignited concerns among NFL evaluators regarding his temperament, potentially complicating his path to the professional ranks. While his on-field production fueled Vanderbilt’s improbable run to the College Football Playoff, scouts have long questioned whether his emotional volatility—combined with his unconventional size—will translate to the next level.
The “CEO” Standard and Draft Stock In NFL scouting circles, the quarterback is viewed as the “CEO” of the franchise, a position demanding high levels of emotional regulation and accountability. Front offices are often wary of players who vent frustrations publicly, fearing such behavior could become a liability in a professional locker room.
For a prospect like Pavia, who is listed at 6-foot and lacks the prototypical physical tools of a first-round pick, the margin for error is slim. History suggests that undersized quarterbacks—such as Russell Wilson or Drew Brees—must exhibit elite intangibles and leadership to convince teams to overlook their height.
“When you don’t have the ideal measurables, you have to check every other box,” is a common sentiment among draft analysts. By lashing out at voters, Pavia risks being labeled as a “character concern,” a tag that is particularly damaging for quarterbacks projected as mid-to-late round selections. Teams are generally less willing to tolerate maturity issues from developmental prospects than they are from elite physical talents.
Pavia has not yet issued a follow-up statement or apology regarding the post. He is expected to address the media later this week as Vanderbilt continues preparations for their upcoming bowl game.
