Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia has notched an early victory in his quest for one last year of college eligibility.
A federal judge granted Pavia a preliminary injunction against the NCAA’s limitations on eligibility for JUCO transfers, allowing him to play for another year in Nashville.
Pavia sued the college athletics governing body in November, arguing its rules violated the Sherman Antitrust Act and thus prevented JUCO transfers from capitalizing on NIL deals.
The senior from Albuquerque, New Mexico played two seasons at New Mexico Military Institute before transferring to New Mexico State in 2022.
He joined Vanderbilt in 2024, leading the Commodores to their 10th bowl-eligible season in program history — including a 40-35 upset over then-No. 1 Alabama in October.
The court’s ruling details how the NCAA failed to demonstrate why the JUCO limitations are necessary when other such rules apply to ensure student-athletes pursue a degree and other transfers are not hindered in such a way.
“The NCAA’s assertion that the [JUCO] eligibility rules are necessary … falls flat,” the memorandum reads in part.
While the federal judge’s injunction allows Pavia to play football again in 2025 at any Division I program he chooses, the decision is likely to be challenged.
The NCAA is still navigating a multitude of lawsuits, including a multi-billion dollar settlement that would allow schools to pay athletes directly as part of a revenue-sharing model. Pavia’s case is just another headache waiting to be dealt with.
