Diego Pavia, the 2025 Heisman Trophy runner up, is making headlines again, this time off the field. Pavia and 26 other former junior college football players have filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, challenging its eligibility rules that count junior college seasons against Division I eligibility.
The lawsuit, filed in Tennessee federal court, argues that the NCAA’s rules are inconsistent and unfair. Pavia’s attorney, Ryan Downton, highlighted the case of former NBA draft pick James Nnaji, who was allowed to return to college basketball at Baylor after four years of professional experience in Europe. Nnaji, who was drafted 31st overall by the Detroit Pistons and had his rights traded to the Charlotte Hornets and then the New York Knicks, will now compete at the college level despite years of professional play. Downton cited this as evidence that the NCAA applies eligibility rules selectively, noting the contrast with former junior college football players like Pavia who are restricted despite similar experience.
Pavia’s college football journey has been extensive. He began his career at New Mexico Military Institute in 2020, leading the junior college to the 2021 national championship. He then played at New Mexico State in 2022 and 2023 before transferring to Vanderbilt in 2024, making this his sixth season of college football overall but only his fourth at the Division I level. Pavia’s preliminary injunction in 2024 allowed him to play this season, which led Vanderbilt to a No. 13 AP poll ranking and one of the best seasons in program history.
While Pavia is entering the NFL Draft, where he is projected as a late-round pick or potential undrafted free agent, he is continuing the lawsuit to secure eligibility for other former junior college players who want to compete in 2026 and 2027.
The case could have far-reaching implications, potentially reshaping NCAA eligibility rules and opening the door for additional seasons for players who began their careers at junior colleges. As the lawsuit progresses, college football fans and future athletes alike will be watching closely to see whether Pavia’s legal challenge changes the landscape of college athletics.
