Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt football gives glimpse of 2025 with Birmingham Bowl win

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Vanderbilt football capped off its first winning season since 2013 with a 35-27 win over Georgia Tech in the Birmingham Bowl.

The Commodores (7-6) last finished over .500 with a win in the same bowl (then called the BBVA Compass Bowl) in James Franklin’s final season with the program.

In Clark Lea’s fourth season, Vanderbilt finally has something to build on with a program that has panache, unique style and an upward trajectory.

Now the focus turns fully to the offseason as the Commodores figure to continue to pursue roster upgrades in the transfer portal while integrating their new freshmen and incoming transfers.

Here are our best reactions from the bowl:

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Diego Pavia gives fans a look at the 2025 Vanderbilt football season

Diego Pavia made a big block on a jet sweep. He avoided what seemed like several sure sacks. He showed the qualities that have made him Vanderbilt’s game-changer all year long. He was named the Birmingham Bowl MVP for his performance, going 13-for-21 for 160 yards and three passing touchdowns while rushing for 84 yards and two touchdowns.

More importantly, he looked healthy. Pavia dealt with shoulder and knee injuries throughout the season, which hampered his effectiveness at times, but he appeared to be back closer to full strength in the bowl game.

With Pavia at the helm, almost anything seems possible. It’s been a long time since the Commodores had this kind of game-changing player. And now it’s official that this year won’t be Pavia’s last, as he won an injunction in court that allowed him an extra year of eligibility after he argued that years in junior college shouldn’t count toward NCAA eligibility .

Vanderbilt displayed much improved team culture

Randon Fontenette did not take the field for the bowl game despite being in uniform and going through warmups. Fontenette’s replacement was Jeffrey Ugochukwu, who has entered the transfer portal.

That Ugochukwu is still with the team despite seeking a transfer is a testament to the many ways in which this team is different from the 2023 team. Players have talked about the culture issues a year ago, with some players thinking about their next destination while still in a Vanderbilt uniform.

Pavia has been one of the drivers behind the improved culture, but he is not the only one. Vanderbilt players have until Jan. 1 to enter the portal, but as of the bowl game, only one starter (Gunnar Hansen) has opted to leave.

Vanderbilt football’s biggest portal need is a top-tier receiver

Vanderbilt has already started working in the transfer portal, especially on defense. The 2024 season showed just how much of a boost the right portal players can bring.

The Commodores have already found their next punter, Nick Haberer. FAU safety CJ Heard will help replace the lost impact of CJ Taylor and De’Rickey Wright. Defensive players out of the portal from Texas, Alabama and Tennessee will help bolster the depth.

But there is still a big need: wide receiver. Geared to throw deep downfield, Pavia often placed catchable balls but lacked receivers who could step up and get them. Vanderbilt has a commitment from a well-known Pavia target in Trent Hudson, but Hudson barely played at Mississippi State this season, which doesn’t garner optimism for his ability to go No. 1.

Perhaps the Birmingham Bowl, and Pavia’s performance in it, can give the Commodores one last spot for a top option at the position.

Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at [email protected] or at X, formerly Twitter, @aria_gerson.

This article originally appeared on the Nashville Tennessean: Vanderbilt football: Diego Pavia returns in 2025 after Birmingham Bowl win