Vanderbilt sixth year senior quarterback Diego Pavia had a lot to say during an interview on the latest epiosde of Bussin’ with the Boys this week.
Pavia was asked by hosts Will Compton and Taylor Lewan, who both played for Big Ten programs (Nebraska and Michigan) if he received calls from Big Ten teams this offseason about a possible transfer and bigger NIL deal and this is what he had to say and it will shock you.
"“You want to play with the best, you don’t want to play with the Big Ten,” Pavia said. “You ignore those calls.”"Diego Pavia
NEW: Vandy QB Diego Pavia eviscerates the Big Ten:
— On3 (@On3sports) June 17, 2025
“You want to play with the best – you don’t want to play with the Big Ten. … You ignore those calls.
...the SEC, it’s like week after week. You’re going to get beat on. The Big Ten, you’re not gonna get beat on with the… pic.twitter.com/BGUcC7lwac
"You got to think about this too, the SEC is like nothing (else)," Pavia said. "The Big Ten, you have Ohio State, Oregon, Michigan, Penn State... the SEC you have all dogs. You only have like four games a year (in the Big Ten). The SEC, it's like week after week you're going to get beat on.
"The Big Ten, you ain't going to get beat on with like the Purdue, Nebraskas."
Pavia's thoughts on the College Football Playoff and an expansion to 16 teams?
"I think the SEC and the Big Ten should obviously get the four (automatic bids) and then they can do whatever they want to with the rest," he said.
The SEC is traditionally considered the better football conference, but the landscape has shifted since introducing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. In addition, the last two College Football National Champions are Big Ten programs (Michigan in 2023 and Ohio State in 2024).
Pavia became a household name around the country following a 40-35 win over Alabama last season, when the Tide were ranked No. 1 in the country.
Pavia was a breakout star for the Commodores last season, tallying 2,133 passing yards and 17 touchdowns with 716 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
Despite his one shining moment and solid play in the latter end of the season, Pavia and Vanderbilt were 7-6 season and finishing 12th in the SEC, with a 35-27, Birmingham Bowl win over Georgia Tech. Marking the Commodores first bowl win since 2013.
After last season, Pavia asked a judge for an extra year of eligibility, stating his two years of JUCO football should not count towards his NCAA eligibility. The judge granted his request making him a sixth year senior in 2025-26.
You can see the full interview with "Bussin with the Boys" below.