Pat McAfee Urges Diego Pavia to Consider UFL After Going Undrafted

The NFL Draft has now concluded, and the most prominent player not to hear his name called was likely Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia.

Pavia finished second in Heisman Trophy voting this past season, but concerns about his measurables, along with questions about how his playing style and polarizing profile would translate to the NFL, ultimately factored into the decision-making as 10 other quarterbacks were selected over the three-day event.

While Pavia could still sign with a team as an undrafted free agent - which remains a likely outcome - ESPN's Pat McAfee believes he may be better suited for the United Football League (UFL), while still hoping an NFL opportunity materializes.

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"I loved what Diego Pavia did for college ball… just an absolute sensation," McAfee posted on X. "Turning Vanderbilt into a football school quickly. I think a lot of what made him fantastic for college was also gonna be what held him back as an NFL ‘prospect'… size, speed, style of play, personality… you name it, all of it PERFECT for college, not necessarily the prototypical NFL ‘prospect.' If he gets in a building and finds success I'd be pumped for him and his family…"

"If it doesn't work out… is he not the UFL QB blueprint? Recognizable name… can move… not scared to promote UFL's getting 800,000 viewers a game, which is good for spring ball… can bump that a bit with some name brands out there… I think we all assume the clips, regardless of outcome, would go for a bit. Feels like an opportune time for the UFL… and for the Pavia show."

Pavia played a central role in rebuilding Vanderbilt football in the SEC over the last two seasons.

The United Football League (UFL) currently features eight teams and has generated strong early traction in both viewership and attendance. Formed through the merger of the XFL and USFL, the league has long-term plans to expand to 16 teams by 2035.

Adding a player and personality like Pavia would represent a major boost for the league - both in terms of attention and fan engagement - given his national profile and dynamic playing style.

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This story was originally published April 26, 2026 at 2:06 PM.