Vanderbilt made headlines nationwide after pulling off a stunning 40-35 upset over the top-ranked Alabama team, led by coach Kalen DeBoer. Commodores fans were ecstatic and stormed the field to celebrate the rare victory at FirstBank Stadium, despite the consequences of violating the SEC’s policies. Vanderbilt was fined $100,000 for the field invasion, a standard penalty for such an offense. However, the real spotlight fell on quarterback Diego Pavia, who emerged as the true winner of the historic night.
Pavia’s stock soared after the game, not only because he helped defeat a powerhouse like Alabama, but also due to the impact on his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) valuation. His NIL value shot up by $340,000 in a single day, climbing from $350,000 to $711,000. As a result, Pavia now ranks 88th in the On3 NIL rankings. This increase in value was a direct result of his performance in toppling Heisman contender Jalen Milroe and the No. 1 team in the country.
Following the upset, Pavia and Vanderbilt’s football program received significant media attention. On Monday, Pavia appeared on the Dan Patrick Show, where he discussed the game and announced a new NIL partnership with Raising Cane’s. The influx of offers has been constant since the game, prompting Pavia to post his agent’s phone number on social media for potential NIL deals. During his interview, he expressed interest in working with major brands like Lululemon, Ferrari, Nike, and Dr. Pepper, even joking that because his initials are “DP,” it would be a perfect fit for him to team up with Dr. Pepper.
The victory was monumental for both Pavia and Vanderbilt, as it marked the first time the Commodores had beaten Alabama since 1984, a drought of 40 years. For Alabama, the loss was particularly painful as it cost them their No. 1 ranking, with Texas taking the top spot. Additionally, it was Alabama’s first defeat to an unranked team after an incredible 134-game streak, which had been in place since 2008.
Pavia, grateful for the moment, thanked “God’s timing” for the victory during his post-game press conference, expressing his joy and pride for Vanderbilt. The 23-year-old shined in the game, excelling not only in the passing game with 252 yards and two touchdowns but also in the rushing game, where he racked up 56 yards on the ground. Over 70 family members of Pavia made the trip to Nashville to witness this unforgettable moment in Vanderbilt football history.
Pavia’s performance against Alabama has positioned him as one of the rising stars in college football, with many now wondering if he is destined to be the next big name in the sport after toppling the mighty Crimson Tide.
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