By Isaac Jaimes
LAS CRUCES, N.M. — In the high desert of Las Cruces, where winds whip across the gridiron and expectations for collegiate football success have historically been modest, Diego Pavia arrived as a transfer from New Mexico Military Institute with something to prove.
The Albuquerque native, standing at a listed 6-foot-0 but playing with the compact ferocity of a much larger presence, transformed the New Mexico State Aggies into a force during his two seasons (2022-23). His tenure culminated in one of the most remarkable turnarounds in New Mexico State’s history and he etched his name into the program’s record books.
Pavia’s journey to NMSU was anything but linear. After starting at Volcano Vista High School in Albuquerque, he began his collegiate career at the junior college level with the New Mexico Military Institute Broncos. There, in 2021, he helped lead the program to an NJCAA Division I national championship, showcasing the dual-threat instincts and leadership that would define his career. Undeterred by a lack of initial FBS offers, Pavia committed to the Aggies in 2022 under head coach Jerry Kill, betting on an opportunity to build something meaningful in his home state.
His 2022 debut season had its growing pains early, but finished strong. Pavia appeared in 12 games with eight starts, throwing for 1,450 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding 508 rushing yards and eight scores. He earned Quick Lane Bowl MVP honors, flashing the big-play ability that would soon become signature—with a career-high 323 passing yards and four touchdowns in a single game. Even in a transitional year for the program, Pavia’s efficiency and toughness signaled brighter days ahead.
Pavia truly announced himself on the national stage in the 2023 campaign. Starting all 15 games at quarterback, he orchestrated the Aggies’ second 10-win season in program history — the first since 1960. Named Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year and earning second-team All-CUSA honors, Pavia threw for 2,973 yards and 26 touchdowns against just nine interceptions. He added 923 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns, making him one of the most complete dual-threat quarterbacks in the FBS. His total offensive production ranked among the nation’s best.
Pavia’s impact extended beyond statistics. He engineered signature victories that redefined the program, including a win over in-state rival New Mexico and, most memorably, a historic 31-10 road victory over Auburn, the first time New Mexico State had ever defeated an SEC opponent.
Week after week, Pavia’s poise under pressure, improvisational scrambling, and deep-ball accuracy fueled an Aggie offense that ranked among the most balanced and explosive in the conference. He guided the team to the CUSA Championship Game and left Las Cruces ranked ninth all-time in program passing yards and among the elite rushers in school history for quarterbacks. Only a select few Aggie QBs had ever combined 4,000+ passing yards and 1,000+ rushing yards in a career.
Beyond the highlights, Pavia embodied resilience and belief. A player who once received no Power Five offers, he consistently elevated those around him, turning skeptics into believers. His leadership helped foster a winning culture in a program long accustomed to rebuilding.
When former coach Jerry Kill and staff moved to Vanderbilt after the 2023 season, Pavia followed, continuing his ascent with the Commodores where he achieved SEC accolades, Heisman finalist recognition, and helped deliver Vanderbilt its first 10-win season in program history.
Today, that same underdog spirit has carried Pavia to the NFL.
Undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft despite his decorated college career due in part to questions around his size, age and other factors he signed a three-year undrafted free agent contract with the Baltimore Ravens. Now competing in a quarterback room featuring Lamar Jackson, the Albuquerque product is fighting for a roster spot and contributing to one of the league’s most storied franchises, proving once again that production and heart can overcome conventional scouting narratives. From the desert of New Mexico State to the bright lights of the NFL, Diego Pavia’s story remains one of relentless perseverance and remarkable achievement.
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