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Vanderbilt's Pavia Shines, Secures Heisman Runner-Up Spot

12/14/2025

24 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia finished second in the 2025 Heisman voting on December 13 in New York City, earning 189 first-place votes and 1,435 points.
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza won the award with 2,362 points.
Pavia totaled 3,192 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and 826 rushing yards for a 10-2 season.
The 10-win season marked Vanderbilt's first 10-win season and led to a ReliaQuest Bowl against Iowa on New Year's Eve.

History

Historical Context

The Heisman Trophy, established in 1935, honors the most outstanding college football player in the NCAA Division I FBS. In 2021, Alabama's Bryce Young won with 2,853 points, reflecting the award's competitive legacy. Diego Pavia's remarkable 2025 season, featuring 3,192 passing yards, underscores Vanderbilt's resurgence, marking their first 10-win season and potentially reshaping the program's future.

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Story summary

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia finished second in the 2025 Heisman voting on December 13 in New York City, earning 189 first-place votes and 1,435 points.
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza won the award with 2,362 points.
Pavia totaled 3,192 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and 826 rushing yards for a 10-2 season.
The 10-win season marked Vanderbilt's first 10-win season and led to a ReliaQuest Bowl against Iowa on New Year's Eve.

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