Projections updated for Vandy QB to win coveted CFB honor after LSU sweep

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia led the No. 17 Commodores to a 31-24 shutout win over the No. 10 LSU Tigers in Week 8 for their first win against their SEC opponent since 1990. Pavia was 14-of-22 for 160 yards and a touchdown while adding 86 yards and two touchdowns.

After running for a 21-yard touchdown in the third quarter, the polarizing Vandy quarterback he did the Heisman Trophy pose. According to ESPN BET, Pavia has 150-1 odds to win the coveted Heisman this year.

During his postgame press conference, Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea addressed Diego Pavia's Heisman celebration.

“I didn't see the stance, but I think he's the best player in college football. He's a douchebag,” Lea said. “It was a team win, and Diego would be the first to say so.”

Before Week 8 began, Miami's quarterback Carson Beck led the Heisman Trophy odds (+300), but after the Hurricanes' loss to the Louisville Cardinals on Friday, where the QB threw four picks, the order is likely to fall.

Diego Pavia has recorded a passing or rushing touchdown in 25 consecutive games, which is the second-longest such streak in the FBS. Since arriving in Nashville, he has led Vanderbilt to 13 wins, one more than they had combined from 2019-23.

Diego Pavia makes good on LSU's preseason promise

In a July interview on “25 Whistles,” Diego Pavia challenged Vanderbilt Commodores fans to show the LSU Tigers a hostile reception at FirstBank Stadium, downplaying Death Valley's famous atmosphere during their 24-17 loss last season.

“I don't think LSU has really lived up to the hype,” Pavia said. “Maybe it wasn't packed. (It was at) night. And it really wasn't, I honestly think the whole stadium didn't show up that day. But, you know, they got the best of us. So we've got to come in with fire when they come to town.”

During the same interview, Pavia, who has led the Commodores to two wins against top-15 teams for the first time in program history, was also named the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner.

“I mean, they can't tell the Heisman winner he can't be drafted, you know,” Pavia said.

Vanderbilt now has a 6-1 record for the first time since 1950 and Diego Pavia will have a chance to lead the Commodores to the SEC Championship Game or a berth in the College Football Playoff, a feat that would put him in with a chance to win the Heisman.