"He's scared of Pavia": CFB world has wild reactions to Steve Sarkisian's remarks on Diego Pavia's NCAA eligibility
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian’s remarks on Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia's NCAA eligibility have sparked strong reactions across the college football world. According to On3, Sarkisian openly criticized the decision, saying he “totally disagrees” with the ruling.
The controversy stems from a decision by the U.S. District Court of Middle Tennessee, where Judge William Campbell granted Pavia another year of eligibility, according to a court ruling released on Wednesday. The ruling, which argues that the NCAA’s redshirt rule for Junior College (JUCO) players violates antitrust laws, allows Pavia to extend his college career into the 2025 season.
As a former JUCO player himself, Sarkisian didn’t hold back in expressing his disapproval.
“I totally disagree with the…determination on this,” Steve Sarkisian said. “We chose to go to Junior College football. That’s where we wanted to start and play our careers.
“I don’t understand it at all. We’re going to have guys 28-29 years old playing college football. What’s the point? I don’t get it. I don’t understand it. I totally disagree with it.”
The comments quickly ignited a debate on social media. One fan on X (formerly Twitter) quipped:
“He’s cscared of Pavia haha.”
“Sark is definitely still upset about what Penix did to them last year,” one wrote.
“He'd be singing a different tune if he could keep Manning or Ewers an extra year,” another wrote.
“Everyone is scared of Vanderbilt and Diego Pavia,” a fan wrote.
“Out of control NIL deals, portal madness, and the US District Court says 'Hold my beer,'” one wrote.
“Is Vandy on their schedule next year? The Sark can't stomach the thought of losing to Vandy lol,” a fan wrote.
Diego Pavia challenged NCAA’s rules on junior college participation
Diego Pavia, who spent two years at New Mexico Military Institute before transferring to New Mexico State, has challenged the NCAA’s rules on junior college participation, claiming they violate antitrust laws under the Sherman Act.
As per Reuters, Pavia’s legal team argued that his NCAA eligibility clock should not have started during his junior college years. They also cited the COVID-19 waiver granted to athletes in 2020, which extended eligibility for many players. Additionally, they noted that Pavia could earn over $1 million in NIL deals if allowed to compete in 2025.
Also Read: Texas HC Steve Sarkisian drops blunt statement on Diego Pavia’s eligibility ruling