Heisman Hype Meets Family Drama for Vanderbilt Quarterback Diego Pavia

The remarkable college football season delivered by Vanderbilt's star quarterback, Diego Pavia, culminated in him being named a finalist for the 2025 Heisman Trophy.

During the regular season, he amassed 3,192 yards through the air, completing 27 touchdowns against just eight interceptions. Pavia added nine rushing touchdowns and 826 yards on the ground, guiding the Commodores to a 10-2 record and positioning them for College Football Playoff consideration, though Vanderbilt ultimately missed out on selection.

Even as Pavia garnered attention for his on-field performance, his family has been steadfastly present, demonstrating unwavering support for the graduate quarterback throughout the whole season.

“My family hasn't missed a single game,” Pavia stated in an interview with Sports Illustrated. “I have an incredible family. I love them deeply, and family is paramount. I am incredibly grateful for them attending and giving up their time and personal affairs.”

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Continue reading to discover more details about Pavia’s family members:

Mother Antoinette Padilla

Those familiar with Diego Pavia are probably also aware of his mother, Antoinette. Throughout the season, she has frequently been featured in news reports as a contentious figure within college football.

Her initial media attention stemmed from Vanderbilt’s victory against Kentucky on November 22. Padilla wore a questionable ensemble—cowboy boots, a skirt, and a T-shirt advocating “Pavia for Heisman”—and danced provocatively during the match. During one instance of dancing, Padilla straddled the stadium's railing for spectators.

ESPN’s cameras consistently located Padilla and broadcast her throughout the game, which prompted ESPN college football analyst Joey Galloway to question the regularity of her airtime on the network.

“Is Pavia’s mother being filmed by a dedicated camera for the whole game?” Galloway, aged 54, inquired during the November 24 installment of his “Nonstop” podcast. “I'm simply curious. Just asking. I’m not claiming it bothers me. Just posing the question.”

He went on to say, “I appreciate the narrative. I appreciate the family. Just not constantly.”

Prior to the Kentucky game, Padilla participated in Vanderbilt’s Senior Day celebration, accompanied by comedian Theo Vonn. Vonn had previously made lighthearted remarks to Pavia about taking his mother on a date. Pavia had offered Vonn a date with Padilla as a reward if Vanderbilt defeated South Carolina in a previous contest, which they successfully did.

Even with the victory and the agreement, the two never actually went on the promised date.

Brother Roel Pavia Jr.

At 26 years old, Roel is the eldest Pavia brother and has consistently backed Diego during his accomplished journey at New Mexico State and Vanderbilt.

Frequently visible in the front rows during his younger brother's games, Roel has always openly expressed support for Diego.

“He stands as Vanderbilt’s greatest football player of all time,” Roel told Sports Illustrated recently. “No question about it.”

Roel is an athlete in his own right, having participated in wrestling and football at Briar Cliff University, an NAIA institution located in Iowa.

The oldest Pavia sibling has experienced some legal issues previously. He and his younger brother, Javier, were taken into custody and charged with public intoxication and resisting arrest following Vanderbilt’s victory against Charleston Southern on August 30.

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Brother Javier Pavia

Javier, 25, has also demonstrated strong support for his brother, Diego. He is frequently present at games and notably brought a “Pavia 4 Heisman” sign to ESPN’s College Gameday when the popular pregame program was on campus at the University of Alabama before Vanderbilt faced the Crimson Tide on October 4.

Similar to Roel, he has faced legal complications during this season. Javier was initially arrested alongside his brother following the August 30 game against Charleston Southern, then he faced a second arrest on November 29, following Vanderbilt’s match against Tennessee in Knoxville.

Sister Abrielle Pavia

Abrielle, the youngest Pavia sibling, is developing her basketball skills in New Mexico. Although only a high school freshman, she is quickly establishing a strong reputation in the sport.

“My goal is to instill in her the importance of being the most competitive individual on the court constantly,” Diego commented about his sister to Sports Illustrated. “That intensity is the key to her achieving success.”