Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia files lawsuit vs. NCAA in hopes of gaining extra eligibility

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia filed a lawsuit against the NCAA on Friday in hopes of receiving an extra season of college eligibility, according to documents released on social media.

Pavia, who was listed as the plaintiff in files released by the United States District Court, Middle District of Tennessee at Nashville, noted in the complaint that NCAA rules reduce the number of years former junior college players can play Division I football, while also restraining the potential amount of name, image and likeness earnings. The filing is seeking "declaratory and injunctive relief" against the NCAA.

Pavia is ultimately suing the NCAA for junior college seasons counting toward Division I eligibility, despite junior college players having little, if any, opportunity to earn NIL money.

A Vanderbilt spokesperson declined to comment when reached by The Tennessean on Friday.

Pavia, a first-year quarterback at Vanderbilt, has turned the Commodores around in his first season. The former New Mexico State quarterback has passed for 1,677 yards with 15 touchdowns to three interceptions, while leading Vanderbilt to bowl eligibility and an upset win over Alabama.

Pavia is in his third season of Division I football, as he also played two seasons at New Mexico State after his two seasons at New Mexico Military Institute, a junior college in New Mexico, where he spent 2020-21 and won a JUCO national championship as a sophomore.

The 6-foot quarterback is in his fifth season of college football, which was allowed due to COVID-19. Pavia gaining another season of eligibility would give him a sixth year.