Iowa's Brad Banks Connection: Heisman Runner-Up QB Cut by Ravens Before Camp
The Baltimore Ravens have released undrafted rookie quarterback Diego Pavia just one day before training camp, a move that echoes the NFL journey of a former Iowa star. Pavia, the Heisman Trophy runner-up in 2025, becomes the first quarterback to finish second in the Heisman voting and go undrafted since Iowa's Brad Banks in 2003.
Pavia signed with the Ravens on April 26 but was waived Thursday to make room on the 90-man roster for veteran center Ethan Pocic. The decision narrows Baltimore's quarterback competition to veteran Skylar Thompson and undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano for the third-string spot.
What Happened With Diego Pavia?
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport first reported the move on X, stating the Ravens waived the former Vanderbilt star. Fox Sports NFL reporter Greg Auman noted the significance: Last year's Heisman runner-up doesn't even make it to training camp with Baltimore.
Pavia's release comes after a controversial end to his college career. Following his Heisman loss to eventual No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, Pavia posted an expletive-laden message on Instagram saying (EXPLETIVE) ALL THE VOTERS.
He apologized within 24 hours, writing: To be so close to my dream and come up short was painful. I didn't handle those emotions well at all.
Why Iowa Fans Should Care
For Iowa football fans, Pavia's story carries a familiar sting. Brad Banks, the Hawkeyes' 2002 Heisman runner-up, also went undrafted before signing with the Ottawa Renegades of the Canadian Football League. Banks never played a regular-season NFL snap.
The parallel underscores the difficulty for undersized quarterbacks from non-powerhouse programs to make NFL rosters. Pavia stands 5-foot-10 and 207 pounds, a size that NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein said rarely make NFL rosters.
Zierlein praised Pavia's competitiveness but noted his size as a limiting factor.
Pavia's College Journey
Pavia played two seasons at New Mexico Military Institute, two at New Mexico State, and then became a household name at Vanderbilt over the last two seasons. He led the Commodores to a winning record and was the face of their turnaround from perennial doormat to competitive program.
Despite his college success, NFL mock drafts from The Athletic's Dane Brugler and ESPN's Jordan Reid did not include Pavia, signaling he would need to sign as an undrafted free agent.
What's Next for Pavia?
Pavia's release leaves his NFL future uncertain. He could catch on with another team's practice squad or explore opportunities in the Canadian Football League or United Football League. His competitive drive, as Zierlein noted, could make him a valuable backup if he accepts a reduced role.
For now, Pavia joins a list of Heisman finalists who never made an NFL roster, a reminder that college stardom does not guarantee professional success.
Photo: Yahoo Sports