Going undrafted in the NFL Draft could have felt like the end of the road for Diego Pavia, but Pat McAfee believes it might actually be the beginning of something bigger. After Vanderbilt’s star quarterback surprisingly went unselected in the 2026 NFL Draft, McAfee offered a different perspective, one that looks beyond the NFL and toward an even bigger personal opportunity.
For McAfee, Pavia’s story does not end with draft disappointment. It may simply be taking a different route.
Pavia became one of the biggest stories of the draft after going completely undrafted despite being a Heisman Trophy finalist and leading Vanderbilt to one of the best seasons in program history. He threw for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns while adding 862 rushing yards and 10 rushing scores, helping transform Vanderbilt into one of college football’s surprise teams. He also became the first Heisman finalist since 2014 to go undrafted.
While many focused on the disappointment, McAfee focused on what comes next. Posting on X, the former NFL punter praised Pavia’s impact on college football, calling him “an absolute sensation.” He added that many of the same traits that made Pavia special in college may have also hurt his draft stock.
“I think a lot of what made him fantastic for college was also gonna be what held him back as an NFL prospect—size, speed, style of play, personality,” McAfee wrote.
At 5-foot-10, Pavia faced constant questions about whether his size and unconventional playing style would translate to the professional level. Scouts also reportedly had concerns about his arm strength and outspoken personality, factors that likely pushed teams away despite his production.
But McAfee’s most interesting point came when he suggested that the United Football League (UFL) might actually be a better fit for Pavia than the NFL right now. Rather than viewing it as a backup plan, he described it as a major opportunity.
“Recognizable name… can move… not scared to promote,” McAfee said, arguing that Pavia could become the face of the league. He pointed to the UFL’s growing audience and suggested Pavia’s personality and play style could make him one of its biggest attractions. “Feels like an opportune time for the UFL… and for the Pavia show.”
Interestingly, Pavia has already received an invitation to the Baltimore Ravens rookie minicamp, giving him at least one NFL opportunity to prove himself. That means the NFL door is not fully closed, but McAfee’s argument is that success may not have to come there first.
For Diego Pavia, draft weekend ended with disappointment, but not without possibilities. Pat McAfee’s message was clear: going undrafted does not mean going unnoticed. Whether it is the NFL, the UFL, or another unexpected path, Pavia still has a chance to turn his story into something much bigger, and maybe even more memorable.
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