Story perspectives

Undrafted Heisman finalist Diego Pavia gets Ravens tryout

4/28/2026

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Summary

Pavia Tryout

Diego Pavia accepted a tryout with Baltimore Ravens minicamp May 1-3, 2026, becoming the first Heisman finalist undrafted since Jordan Lynch in 2014.
Because the Ravens did not sign him, Pavia will compete with quarterback Joe Fagnano for a spot while the depth chart lists Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley.
2025 Pavia posted 3,539 yards, 29 touchdowns and eight interceptions, earned SEC Offensive Player of the Year and received Deion Sanders' backing.

Summary

Pavia Signing

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have held Jalen Pavia’s CFL negotiating rights since 2024, giving them exclusive first-refusal.
Pat McAfee and UFL owner Mike Repole called him the “UFL QB blueprint” and said they would sign him for the spring season.
Pavia, listed at 5-foot-10 1/8 inch, 207 pounds, ran a 4.76-second 40-yard dash, won a New Mexico high-school wrestling state title and is being eyed as a potential WWE heel.

History

Historical Context

The XFL launched in 2001 as a WWF-NBC venture, giving undrafted college quarterbacks a pro platform; players such as Tommy Maddox and Rod Smart later reached the NFL before the league folded in May 2001. The United Football League later used former XFL markets but averaged only 6,000 fans versus the XFL’s 35,000, underscoring the ongoing search for a modern alternative league like the emerging UFL.

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Pavia Tryout

Diego Pavia accepted a tryout with Baltimore Ravens minicamp May 1-3, 2026, becoming the first Heisman finalist undrafted since Jordan Lynch in 2014.
Because the Ravens did not sign him, Pavia will compete with quarterback Joe Fagnano for a spot while the depth chart lists Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley.
2025 Pavia posted 3,539 yards, 29 touchdowns and eight interceptions, earned SEC Offensive Player of the Year and received Deion Sanders' backing.

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