Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia Granted Injunction to Play in 2025, Challenging NCAA Eligibility Rules

Dec 18, 2024, 10:57 PM

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia has been granted a preliminary injunction by a U.S. District Court in Middle Tennessee, allowing him to play in the 2025 college football season. The ruling, issued by Judge William Campbell, challenges the NCAA's eligibility rules that count junior college seasons towards a player's overall eligibility, arguing that such rules violate antitrust law. Pavia, who transferred to Vanderbilt from New Mexico State after spending two seasons at New Mexico Military Institute, is now eligible to return to the Commodores for another season. The injunction also prevents the NCAA from enforcing penalties against Vanderbilt or any other school if Pavia plays in 2025 and the ruling is later overturned. The NCAA has issued a statement indicating no immediate plans to change eligibility rules that may affect other athletes. Pavia's notable performance includes leading Vanderbilt to an upset victory over Alabama, throwing for 252 yards and rushing for 56 more.