Former Auburn Signs First NFL Contract After Going Undrafted
Former Vanderbilt and New Mexico State quarterback Diego Pavia is officially taking the next step in his football journey, signing his first NFL contract after the 2026 NFL Draft.
Despite going undrafted, Pavia quickly found an opportunity at the professional level when the Baltimore Ravens signed him to a three-year deal on Tuesday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The agreement came before Pavia was scheduled to participate in Baltimore’s rookie minicamp this weekend, indicating the Ravens were convinced enough by his film and potential to offer him a contract immediately.
Pavia’s path to the NFL has been anything but conventional, but his resilience and production throughout college football made him one of the more intriguing undrafted quarterback prospects in this year’s class.
The Albuquerque native became well known among Auburn fans for his dominance over the Tigers during his collegiate career. Pavia posted a perfect 3-0 record against Auburn, first defeating them as the starting quarterback for New Mexico State in a shocking 31-10 upset at Jordan-Hare Stadium in 2023. He later transferred to Vanderbilt, where he led the Commodores to two additional victories over Auburn, cementing his reputation as one of the Tigers’ most frustrating opponents in recent memory.
Pavia’s final college season at Vanderbilt in 2025 elevated his profile significantly. He guided the Commodores to an impressive 10-3 record and earned national recognition, including mention in the Heisman Trophy conversation. His leadership, mobility, and playmaking ability helped transform Vanderbilt into one of the SEC’s surprise teams that season.
Now in Baltimore, Pavia enters a competitive quarterback room as he fights to earn a roster spot. The Ravens also signed former UConn quarterback Joe Fagnano, another undrafted rookie who brings prototypical NFL size at 6-foot-4. While Pavia may not possess the same physical build as some traditional quarterbacks, his college production and ability to make plays under pressure have consistently helped him outperform expectations.
Still, Pavia’s road to securing a place on the Ravens’ final roster will be challenging. As is common with undrafted free agents, his contract is not expected to include major guarantees, meaning he will need to impress throughout offseason workouts, training camp, and preseason competition to earn a long-term opportunity.
One of the more notable chapters in Pavia’s rise to the NFL involves his previous interaction with Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze. Before New Mexico State’s upset victory over Auburn in 2023, Pavia reportedly expressed interest in being recruited by Auburn. According to reports, Freeze dismissed the idea and laughed off the suggestion.
That moment has since become a memorable footnote in Pavia’s story, especially considering what followed. Not only did Pavia lead New Mexico State to one of the biggest upsets of the 2023 season, but he also continued his ascent by later reaching the NFL—while Auburn’s quarterback struggles persisted during much of that stretch.
For Pavia, signing with the Ravens represents another milestone in a career built on proving doubters wrong. After being overlooked in recruiting, underestimated throughout college, and passed over in the NFL Draft, he now gets his chance to compete at football’s highest level.
And for Auburn fans, Diego Pavia’s name remains one they likely won’t forget anytime soon.
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