Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia had a special season, but came up just short in the Heisman Trophy vote.
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Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza won college football’s most prestigious individual award with 643 first-place votes and 2,362 total points. Pavia finished in second place, receiving 189 first-place votes and 1,345 total points.
Pavia wasn’t pleased with being a runner-up, posting on his Instagram page on Saturday night: “(Expletive) all the voters. But… family for life.”
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On Sunday, Pavia took to X to apologize for his reaction to losing out on the Heisman Trophy.
“Being a part of the Heisman ceremony last night as a finalist was such an honor,” Pavia wrote. “As a competitor, just like in everything I do I wanted to win. To be so close to my dream and come up short was painful. I didn’t handle those emotions well at all and did not represent myself the way I wanted to.
“I have much love and respect for the Heisman voters and the selection process, and I apologize for being disrespectful. It was a mistake, and I am sorry.”
Pavia finished the regular season with 3,192 yards passing, 27 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He added 826 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.
Pavia explained that he had a chip on his shoulder before being named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.
“I’ve been doubted my whole life,” Pavia said. “Every step of my journey I’ve had to break down doors and fight for myself, because Ive learned that nothing would be handed to me. My family has always been in my corner, and my teammates, coaches and staff have my six. I love them — I am grateful for them. — and I wouldn’t want anything to distract from that.
“I look forward to competing in front of my family and with my team one more time in the ReliaQuest Bowl.”
Pavia praised Mendoza for having an incredible season with Indiana.
“Fernando Mendoza is an elite competitor and a deserving winner of the award,” Pavia wrote. “I have nothing but respect for his accomplishments as well as the success that Jeremiyah and Julian had this season.”
No. 14 Vandy will next play No. 23 Iowa in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Dec. 31.
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