Diego Pavia (born February 16, 2002) is an American football quarterback for the Vanderbilt Commodores.

Pavia was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico[citation needed] and attended Volcano Vista High School, where he completed 108 of his 165 pass attempts for 1,485 yards and 14 touchdowns to five interceptions.

[7] Going into the championship game, New Mexico State University head coach Jerry Kill and offensive coordinator Tim Beck had decided to offer a scholarship to Iowa Western quarterback Nate Glantz.

According to CBS Sports journalist Dennis Dodd, "Besides greasy fingers from the wings, they also came out transformed.

The quarterback for the winning team that day, New Mexico Military Institute, changed their minds."

Kill and Beck then told Iowa Western's coach that they were no longer interested in Glantz, who went on to play at FCS Lindenwood.

[8] He got his first start with the Aggies in the team's season opener against Nevada, but struggled heavily, turning the ball over four times in the first half, and was benched in a 23–13 loss.

[14] Pavia recovered his own fumble late in the fourth quarter to give the Aggies a first down and clinch the 24–19 win, earning Quick Lane Bowl MVP honors.

During a visit to Nevada, Pavia verbally committed to play for the Wolf Pack, and called Beck to let him know.