NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
Heisman Trophy runner-up Diego Pavia drew attention on social media this week after saying he had no representation heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. But his agent offered some clarity Wednesday, suggesting Pavia handled his own affairs during college.
Pavia made the comments during an appearance on Jon Gruden’s Barstool Sports show. “Gruden’s QB class”, as he talks about his decision to return to Vanderbilt after the 2024 season.
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates after the team’s victory over Kentucky at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. (Mark Zaleski/The Tennessean)
“Everyone had a quarterback in the SEC. So, there was nowhere for me… I mean, there were some places I could go, but I knew where I wanted to stay. So, I told the general manager, ‘You guys grabbed me by the balls. [head coach Jerry Kill], [offensive coordinator Tim Beck] is here. You know, I’ll come back.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
“‘Let’s find a good number for which he can come back.’ And that’s how we resolved it,” Pavía added, referring to the name, image and likeness (NIL) agreement.
Former NFL coach Jon Gruden asked if Pavia had an agent, but he said no.
“No, I’m representing myself. I didn’t think it was fair for someone to represent me and take 5 to 10%. Nobody takes my money. I’m telling you.”
Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) throws a pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the first quarter during the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on Dec. 31, 2025. (Nathan Ray Seebeck/Image Images)
HEISMAN TROPHY VOTER SHOOTS VANDERBILT’S DIEGO PAVIA OVER F-BOMB COMMENT IN BURNING COLUMN: ‘PUNK MOVEMENT’
The shocking decision surprised many, but Pavia’s agent posted on social media clarifying that the NFL prospect was talking about his NIL negotiations, not his upcoming pro career.
“Please stop doing stupid things. I didn’t have a NIL AGENT. I am his agent for the NFL,” Malki Kawa, founder and CEO of First Round MGMT, said in a post on X.
In January it was announced on Pavia’s Instagram that he had signed with Kawa’s group before the draft.
Diego Pavia of the Vanderbilt Commodores warms up before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pak Gazette APP
Pavia was reportedly visiting with the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday. He is predicted to be a late-round pick despite a breakout season at Vanderbilt in which he threw for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns with eight interceptions and added 862 rushing yards and 10 scores.
