The 2026 NFL Draft is upcoming and college football prospects such as Diego Pavia are preparing for the opportunity to get selected by a franchise. The NFL Scouting Combine was held recently at Indianapolis where the nation’s top college prospects performed drills in front of coaches and analysts.
Pavia had a successful career at college level with the Vanderbilt Commodores, and is now looking to get drafted. However, he is facing backlash after he said something.
Diego Pavia reveals he does not have an agent
Pavia was a 2025 Heisman Trophy finalist and had a good season for Vanderbilt. He completed 267 of 378 passes for 3,539 yards, 29 touchdowns, and just 8 interceptions, while adding 862 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. With his efforts, the college football program had 10 wins in their season, the first time in their modern history.
Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia throws the ball during football pro day at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, March 20, 2026. © ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
He recently had an interview with Jon Gruden in Barstool Sports, where he revealed he does not have an agent. He said, “I didn’t think it was fair that someone was going to represent me and take 5-10%… ain’t nobody taking my money.” Pavia added that he represented himself during his college career and will continue to do so in the NFL.
However, many pointed out that Pavia’s 5-10% number was wrong. While it is true that NIL deals are largely unregulated with agent fees often reaching 15-25% or more, it is not the same in the NFL. Under NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement rules, certified player agents are strictly capped at a maximum 3% commission on contracts. NFL agents also earn nothing on practice squad deals or certain short-term contracts beyond even tighter limits, and fees apply only to money actually received.
This has led many to criticize him, for his lack of knowledge about NFL agents and his decision not to hire one.
Diego Pavia mocked for not having an agent
Many fans felt Pavia’s decision to not hire an agent would backfire, and was not a good decision.
One user said, “Diego = Dumb ass anchor baby”.
A second user wrote, “Good luck finding one who will take 3% of his measly practice squad contract for the hardship of dealing with that insufferable douche.”
A third user replied, “Unfortunately nothing Diego Pavia does seems very smart.”
Another added, “He’s never been bright. This is just the latest example”.
A fifth user commented, “This is the most Diego Pavia thing ever. If im an NFL gm there is zero chance hes on my board. UDFA only”.
A sixth user remarked, “Not having an agent as a professional athlete is like not having an attorney when you’re on criminal trial. Good luck with that.”
Diego Pavia will be hoping to get drafted in the upcoming NFL Draft, though he is expected to be an undrafted free agent.