Diego Pavia announces surprising football comeback and he won't be alone: Several teammates also returning
The former Heisman finalist has identified a possible route back into professional football and hopes to bring familiar faces with him
A year after establishing himself as one of college football's most recognizable quarterbacks, Diego Pavia is preparing for another opportunity to prove he belongs in the professional game.
The former Vanderbilt star experienced a disappointing introduction to the NFL after going unselected in the 2026 draft and subsequently being released by the Baltimore Ravens before training camp.
Without another NFL offer, Pavia appeared to be moving toward a career in streaming, raising questions about whether his playing days had already ended.
However, the quarterback has now outlined a different plan, revealing his interest in joining the United Football League in 2027.
His ambitions extend beyond securing a roster spot for himself, with Pavia also hoping to reunite with several former teammates.
During a recent YouTube appearance, Pavia discussed his future and indicated that he was exploring an opportunity in the UFL.
"I plan on doing some UFL if everything goes smooth," Pavia said.
He also suggested that he wanted to bring former teammates into the league, although he did not publicly identify the players involved.
The comments mark a change in direction after his unsuccessful attempt to establish himself in the NFL.
Pavia 's professional prospects initially appeared promising following a college career that culminated in national recognition and a place among the Heisman Trophy finalists.
Nevertheless, the transition proved difficult, with Baltimore deciding not to retain him ahead of training camp.
A UFL opportunity would allow Pavia to return to competitive football while potentially putting himself back on the radar of NFL teams.
Why Diego Pavia's NFL opportunity ended so quickly
Pavia developed a reputation at Vanderbilt as a competitive dual-threat quarterback capable of extending plays and producing moments of individual brilliance.
His performances earned widespread attention during his final college season, although questions remained about how his playing style would translate to the NFL.
Those concerns contributed to a difficult draft experience, with all 32 franchises passing on the quarterback.
Baltimore subsequently offered him an opportunity, but his time with the organization ended before he could compete for a place during training camp.
Although the setback left Pavia without an NFL team, playing in a spring football league could provide the game experience necessary to strengthen his professional credentials.
When is the 2027 UFL Draft?
The UFL has scheduled its 2027 draft for November 18, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri.
The event will consist of 15 rounds, with the opening two rounds broadcast on NFL Network, giving prospective players another opportunity to enter professional football.
Pavia hasn't announced an agreement with a specific UFL franchise, and his participation remains dependent on how his plans develop.
His suggestion that former teammates could join him also remains a possibility rather than a confirmed arrangement.
Nevertheless, the quarterback's comments indicate that his ambitions have not disappeared following his brief NFL experience.
A successful spell in the UFL wouldn't guarantee another opportunity in the NFL, but it could provide the platform Pavia needs to demonstrate that his football career still has another chapter.
