Skip Bayless makes huge statement about Diego Pavia
Few stories from the 2026 NFL Draft cycle have generated more confusion and frustration than what happened to Diego Pavia. After one of the most remarkable seasons in recent college football history, the former Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback not only went undrafted but also initially struggled to land a standard undrafted free agent deal. Now, one prominent voice, Skip Bayless, is speaking out.
MORE: 5 best NFL signings of undrafted players following 2026 Draft A Stunning Fall Nov 8, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates the touchdown of wide receiver Tre Richardson (6) against the Auburn Tigers during the second half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images Pavia’s resume speaks for itself: Led Vanderbilt to a 10–2 regular season Finished as a Heisman Trophy runner-up Earned First-Team All-SEC honors Named a First-Team All-American Despite all of that, his name was never called during the NFL Draft. The result placed him in rare territory, becoming the first Heisman finalist to go undrafted since Jordan Lynch in 2014.
Instead of immediately signing as a priority free agent, Pavia’s path took another unexpected turn. He ultimately accepted a rookie minicamp tryout with the Baltimore Ravens, a route typically reserved for long-shot prospects, not Heisman finalists. That decision only added to the growing disbelief around the football world.
Skip Bayless Weighs In Among those stunned was Skip Bayless, a Vanderbilt alum who didn’t hold back. “I realize his off-field has caused some concerns, but Diego Pavia deserved better than a minicamp tryout with the Ravens,” Bayless wrote. “He did lead the Vanderbilt Commodores to a 6-2 SEC record, did beat Bama the season before, did scare Texas twice.
” Bayless’ comments reflect what many fans and analysts are thinking: how does a player with that level of production fall this far? Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates after the team’s win Kentucky at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. , Saturday, Nov.