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Heisman Trophy runner-up Diego Pavia drew attention on social media this week after saying he did not have representation ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. But his agent offered some clarity Wednesday, suggesting Pavia was managing his own affairs during college.
Pavia made the comments during an appearance on Jon Gruden’s Barstool Sports show, “Gruden’s QB Class,” while discussing his decision to return to Vanderbilt after the 2024 season.
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates after the team’s win over Kentucky at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. (Mark Zaleski/The Tennessean)
“Everybody had a quarterback in the SEC. So there was nowhere that I — I mean, there were a couple of places that I could go, but I knew where I wanted to stay. And then I said to the GM, ‘You guys kind of got me. You know it well. [head coach Jerry Kill], [offensive coordinator Tim Beck] is here. You know I’ll be back.
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“‘Let’s find a reasonable number that I could come back for.’
Former NFL coach Jon Gruden asked if Pavia had an agent, but he said he didn’t.
“No, I represent myself. I didn’t think it was fair that someone would represent me and take 5 to 10%. Isn’t someone taking my money. Tell 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/Imagn Images)
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The shocking decision surprised many, but Pavia’s agent took to social media to clarify that the NFL prospect was talking about his NIL negotiations, not his upcoming pro career.
“Please stop the stupidity. He didn’t have a NIL AGENT. I’m his agent for the nfl,” Malki Kawa, founder and CEO of First Round MGMT, said in a post on X.
It was announced in January on Pavia’s Instagram that he had signed with Kawa’s group prior to the draft.
Diego Pavia of the Vanderbilt Commodores warms up prior to the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
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Pavia reportedly visited the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday. He’s projected to be a late-round pick despite an outstanding season at Vanderbilt in which he threw for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns with eight interceptions while adding 862 rushing yards and 10 scores.
