Heisman runner-up Diego Pavia apologizes for vulgar message at voters after losing to Fernando Mendoza

Diego Pavia listens to everything and wants his doubters to hear him loud and clear.

The Vanderbilt quarterback fired off a flagrant “F- all the voters” message to those who didn’t choose him as the Heisman Trophy winner after Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza ran away with the award — and now the Commodores star is explaining himself.

“Being a part of the Heisman ceremony [Saturday] night as a finalist was such an honor,” Pavia said in a message posted to social media. “As a competitor, just like in everything I do I wanted to win. To be so close to my dream and come up short was painful. I didn’t handle those emotions well at all and did not represent myself the way I wanted to. I have much love and respect for the Heisman voters and the selection process, and I apologize for being disrespectful. It was a mistake, and I am sorry.”

Diego Pavia came in second in the Heisman Trophy race. AP

Pavia’s initial message to the voters was directed at three groups: Sports media members divided evenly across the country, all living Heisman winners and the fans who get one combined vote.

Pavia came in second in the Heisman voting, gaining 189 first-place votes behind Mendoza, who had 643.

Mendoza, who is ranked as the No. 2 overall player in the 2026 draft behind only Oregon’s Dante Moore, according to ESPN’s Mel Kiper, is widely expected to declare for the draft.

Pavia, who is not a big-time NFL prospect despite the strong season for Vanderbilt, is expected to enter the 2026 NFL Draft but is currently rated outside Kiper’s top 10 quarterbacks.

Diego Pavia was surely dreaming that Heisman Trophy would be his. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

“Fernando Mendoza is an elite competitor and a deserving winner of the award,” Pavia said. “I have nothing but respect for his accomplishments as well as the success that Jeremiyah [Love] and Julian [Sayin] had this season.

“I’ve been doubted my whole life. Every step of my journey I’ve had to break down doors and fight for myself, because Ive learned that nothing would be handed to me. My family has always been in my corner, and my teammates, coaches and staff have my six. I love them — I am grateful for them. — and I wouldn’t want anything to distract from that. I look forward to competing in front of my family and with my team one more time in the ReliaQuest Bowl.”

Pavia, who played four years in college, first for New Mexico State University before spending the final two years of his career at Vanderbilt, had a strong season for a surprisingly good Commodores team.

He threw for 3,192 yards, 27 touchdowns and eight interceptions while adding nine more rushing touchdowns.