Vanderbilt Quarterback Diego Pavia Criticizes Heisman Voters After Loss to Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza
NEW YORK, N.Y. — In the wake of the 2025 Heisman Trophy announcement, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia expressed sharp frustration toward the voters who selected Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza as the award winner. Pavia, who finished second in the voting, took to Instagram shortly after the ceremony to voice his displeasure, using explicit language to criticize the decision.
On Saturday night, as Mendoza celebrated his victory following a stellar season that included leading the Hoosiers to a Big Ten Championship win over Ohio State, Pavia posted a photo with his Commodores teammates accompanied by the message, “F-All the voters,” paired with a thumbs-down emoji. The 23-year-old quarterback’s candid reaction quickly drew widespread attention and stirred debate among college football fans and analysts.
Despite receiving 189 first-place votes, Pavia trailed Mendoza’s commanding 643 votes in the final tally. Mendoza’s performance this season, which positioned Indiana as a top contender in the College Football Playoff, was widely praised. The official Heisman Trophy website highlights Mendoza’s achievements and the significance of his win in New York City.
Less than 24 hours after his initial outburst, Pavia issued a public apology on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging that his reaction did not reflect the respect he holds for the Heisman voters or the selection process. “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 also praised Mendoza as “an elite competitor and a deserving winner of the award,” while acknowledging the accomplishments of other finalists Jeremiyah and Julian. He reflected on his own journey, noting the challenges he has faced and the support from his family, teammates, and coaches. “I’ve been doubted my whole life. Every step of my journey I’ve had to break down doors and fight for myself, because I’ve learned that nothing would be handed to me,” he said.
The Commodores quarterback concluded by expressing gratitude for his support system and looking ahead to the upcoming ReliaQuest Bowl, where he hopes to compete one final time in front of his family and team.
The Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football, is determined by a nationwide panel of media members, former winners, and fans. The voting process and results are overseen by the Heisman Trust, whose official site provides detailed information on the award’s history and selection criteria.
Fernando Mendoza’s victory caps a remarkable season for the Indiana Hoosiers, who remain undefeated and are poised for a strong showing in the College Football Playoff. The Big Ten Conference’s official website offers comprehensive coverage of Mendoza’s performance and the team’s championship run.
As the college football season moves toward its conclusion, the dialogue surrounding the Heisman Trophy voting underscores the passion and intensity that define the sport. Diego Pavia’s candid remarks and subsequent apology highlight the emotional stakes for athletes competing at the highest level.
For further details on the Heisman Trophy and the voting process, visit the official Heisman website. Coverage of the Big Ten Championship and Fernando Mendoza’s achievements can be found at the Big Ten Conference site. To explore Vanderbilt football’s season and Diego Pavia’s career, see the Vanderbilt Commodores official athletics page. Additional information on college football awards and governance is available through the NCAA official website.
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