Why did Diego Pavia earn extra year of NCAA eligibility? Exploring outcome of Vandy QB's lawsuit against NCAA
Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia might return to college football in 2025 thanks to a groundbreaking legal win. In November, Pavia filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, challenging its policy on junior college eligibility. He argued that the rule counting time spent at junior colleges against NCAA eligibility violates antitrust laws.
This week, Pavia secured a major victory when a federal court granted his request for a preliminary injunction. The ruling allows him an additional year at Vanderbilt and prevents the NCAA from penalizing the school — or any other institution — if Pavia plays a fifth season next year.
How did Diego Pavia earn an extra year of NCAA eligibility?
The NCAA’s current rules limit junior college transfers like Pavia to just two or three years of eligibility at NCAA schools. Pavia, who spent two years at New Mexico Military Institute (a junior college) before playing three seasons at New Mexico State and Vanderbilt, had officially exhausted his eligibility.
However, Pavia contended this policy unfairly impacts athletes, especially when it comes to capitalizing on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. He highlighted that athletes in other post-secondary programs, such as religious missions or prep schools, are not subjected to the same restrictions.
Court’s decision on Diego Pavia’s NCAA eligibility
U.S. District Judge William L. Campbell sided with Pavia, issuing an injunction and stating that the NCAA’s eligibility rules likely violate antitrust law. According to the Associated Press, the court also barred the NCAA from taking action against Vanderbilt — or any other school Pavia might join — for allowing him to play a fifth season.
What does this mean for Diego Pavia and other athletes?
Diego Pavia gets another year of college football, with his lawyer confirming he’ll return to Vanderbilt in 2025, provided he secures an adequate NIL deal. More importantly, this case could have broader implications. While the ruling applies only to Pavia, it sets a precedent for other junior college athletes to challenge similar restrictions.
This legal battle could reshape how the NCAA handles eligibility rules, potentially opening doors for more athletes to extend their college careers and maximize NIL opportunities.
Also Read: Texas HC Steve Sarkisian drops blunt statement on Diego Pavia’s eligibility ruling