Vanderbilt football

Vanderbilt football

 Vanderbilt University

A Vanderbilt quarterback situation that appeared bleak a couple of months ago looks much more promising now.

The Commodores got more good news at the position Wednesday, when former New Mexico State quarterback Diego Pavia announced on social media he would be transferring to Vanderbilt.

Pavia was the Conference USA player of the year as a senior in 2023, when he accounted for 3,898 yards of offense, throwing for 2,973 yards and 26 touchdowns, while adding 925 rushing yards with seven touchdowns on the ground. One of Pavia’s most memorable performances came in the Aggies’ 31-10 upset at Auburn, when the Albuquerque, N.M., native threw for 201 yards and three touchdown passes.

The On3 recruiting site lists the 6-0, 200-pound Pavia as a three-star transfer, and his 89.0 ranking is tied for first among incoming Vanderbilt transfers — along with offensive lineman Steven Losoya (Mississippi State, Overton HS) and safety Randon Fontenette (TCU).

The 6-0, 200-pound Pavia is the latest New Mexico State addition to the Commodores program, joining another former Aggies quarterback Blaze Berlowitz, who played one game as a redshirt freshman last season. In addition, Vanderbilt’s coaching staff will feature several members of the 2023 New Mexico state coaching staff — including Tim Beck (offensive coordinator), Jerry Kill (chief consultant to the head coach and senior offensive adviser), Melvin Rice (safeties coach) and Garrett Altman (offensive analyst).

Previously this offseason, Vanderbilt announced the transfer of Utah quarterback Nate Johnson, who played in eight games for the Utes last season. He started three, running 59 times for 235 yards and four touchdowns, while completing 39-of-72 passes for 235 yards and three touchdowns.

The quarterback room will also feature Drew Dickey, a former four-star high-school recruit who has made one appearance for Vanderbilt in two seasons.

Two incoming freshmen, Whit Muschamp of the Baylor School and Jeremy St.-Hilaire of McCallie School, round out the quarterback crew.

It’s a much more encouraging look than in late November, after all three quarterbacks who played for Vandy last season — AJ Swann, Ken Seals and Walter Taylor — entered the transfer portal. Swann wound up at LSU, Seals at TCU and Taylor at Colorado.

This story was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post.