Diego Pavia sets new low for Heisman Trophy winners in 2026 NFL Draft

It’s one of the most surprising storylines to emerge from the 2026 NFL Draft . Diego Pavia, a record-setting star at Vanderbilt and the 2025 Heisman Trophy runner-up, did not hear his name called across all 257 picks of the NFL Draft. For some, it’s shocking.

For others, it’s the harsh reality of how the league evaluates quarterbacks. MORE: Complete 2026 NFL Draft results, full list of picks Dec 13, 2025; New York, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (left to right) and Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza and Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia and Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin pose with the Heisman trophy during a press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images A Historic Snub Pavia’s undrafted status places him in rare and unexpected company.

He becomes: The first Heisman finalist to go undrafted since 2014 (Jordan Lynch) The first Heisman runner-up to go undrafted since 2003 (Brad Banks) Another notable comparison is Collin Klein (2013) For a player coming off one of the most dynamic seasons in college football, it’s a result that immediately stands out. The Size Question Looms Large The biggest factor behind Pavia’s fall? His size.

Measured at just under 5-foot-10 (5’9 ⅞”) and 198 pounds at the Senior Bowl, Pavia falls well below the traditional prototype NFL teams look for at quarterback. In a league that still heavily prioritizes height, durability, and visibility in the pocket, those measurements raised concerns throughout the draft process. Fair or not, it ultimately defined his evaluation.