Despite his terrific 2025 season at Vanderbilt, becoming a Heisman Trophy finalist just a few months ago, Diego Pavia now heads to the NFL as one of the biggest question marks of the 2026 draft cycle.
On one hand, Pavia’s electric abilities are undeniable. He became a premiere dual-threat quarterback for the Commodores, also showing plenty of leadership and toughness as one of the best passers in the country last college football season. But at the same time, Pavia’s raw physical tools are rather uninspiring for his NFL future.
At the 2026 NFL Combine, Pavia — despite making a public bet with Johnny Manziel about running a faster 40-yard dash than the former Cleveland Browns quarterback — decided not to participate in any of the athletic drills. While fans didn’t get a chance to see Pavia run or jump, he said Friday that he plans to participate in Vanderbilt’s Pro Day on March 18, per WSLS News.
However, Pavia did measure at the combine, which was notable due to his conflicting height listings in the past. Coming in at 5-foot-10, he would now officially become one of the shortest NFL quarterbacks ever.
Below, you can find Pavia’s full results from the NFL Combine, from his measurements to his interviews with reporters and other highlights.
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Diego Pavia measurements
Pavia’s official measurements came in on February 28 as quarterbacks participated at the combine. He was measured at 5-foot-10 and 207 pounds, with his arm length at 28 5/8’’ and hand at 9 5/8’’.
How tall is Diego Pavia?
Pavia has officially been recorded at 5’ 10’’ at the NFL Combine.
At the Senior Bowl, Pavia came in at 5-foot-9 and 7/8 inches after being listed at six-foot by Vanderbilt in the 2025 season.
The 5-foot-10 mark would make Pavia one of the shortest quarterbacks across NFL history — if he appears in a game, he would tie Doug Flutie, Joe Hamilton, Kyler Murray and Bryce Young as the shortest-listed passers in league history. All four of those players were also listed as 5′ 10”.
Diego Pavia 40 time
After plenty anticipation, including a public bet with Johnny Manziel that he could beat the former quarterback’s 40 time, Diego Pavia did not participate in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
He wound up not competing in any of the athletic events at the combine. He has said he plans to saving athletic testing for Vanderbilt’s Pro Day on March 18, per Pro Football Network.
Diego Pavia vertical jump
Diego Pavia did not participate in the vertical jump at the 2026 NFL Combine.
There were six quarterback participants, and he was not one of them. He reportedly has plans to participate in athletic testing at Vanderbilt’s Pro Day on March 18.
Diego Pavia broad jump
Diego Pavia did not participate in the broad jump at the 2026 NFL Combine.
There were six quarterback participants, and he was not one of them. He reportedly has plans to participate in athletic testing at Vanderbilt’s Pro Day on March 18.
Diego Pavia highlights at NFL Combine
Pavia spoke to reporters on Friday morning, discussing everything from why he believes he’s the “ultimate teammate,” to his relationship with Johnny Manziel.
The former Vanderbilt star said Manziel has given him advice and “makes sure I’m good.” He also spoke about his own character.
“I’m humble, and I get my confidence from my process. If you saw how much I put into this, you would see where I get my confidence from,” Pavia said.
He added that he believes he’s a starting quarterback in the NFL because his mind “is through the roof,” he processes fast, and his college tape shows that he “can do it.”
Snippets from @VandyFootball QB @diegopavia02’s session with reporters on Friday morning at the NFL Combine. pic.twitter.com/bKg6kbXorf
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) February 27, 2026
Pavia also had a viral quote about his brain not developing until age 25 when talking about his Vanderbilt head coach.
“Coach Lea always pressed that your frontal lobe isn’t fully developed til you’re 25, and I just turned 24,” Pavia said. “So, I’ve got like 360 more days to go.”
QB Diego Pavia on his maturity, via @MadelynBurke:
“Coach Lea always pressed that your frontal lobe isn’t fully developed til you’re 25, and I just turned 24… so I’ve got like 365 days to go.” pic.twitter.com/NgY01LznZZ
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) February 27, 2026
