Pat McAfee speaks out after Diego Pavia's NFL draft snub, ‘Just an absolute sensation’

After going undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia was praised by Pat McAfee.

Published on: Apr 29, 2026, 09:38:46 IST

By HT US Desk

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Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, becoming the first Heisman finalist in 12 years to hear no calls. Pat McAfee praised him on social media Sunday. Despite Ravens rookie minicamp invite starting May 2, McAfee hinted at bigger chances elsewhere.

Pat McAfee Sees UFL Future for Undrafted QB Diego Pavia (Getty Images via AFP)

"I loved what Diego Pavia did for college ball -- just an absolute sensation," McAfee posted on social media. “I think a lot of what made him fantastic for College was also gonna be what held him back as an NFL 'prospect'. Size, speed, style of play, personality. If he gets in a building and finds success I'd be pumped for him and his family.”

He added, “If it doesn’t work out.. is he not the UFL QB Blueprint?Recognizable name...can move...not scared to promote. UFL's getting 800,000 viewers a game, which is good for spring ball, can bump that a bit with some name brands aht there… I think we all assume the clips, regardless of outcome, would go for a bit. Feels like an opportune time for the UFL.. and for the Pavia show.”

Social Media Reactions

The news received mixed reactions from fans on X and Reddit. "Welcome to the UFL," one trolled Pavia on X. "Arrogance is the reason," another jabbed on X after undrafted status.

Reddit's r/UnitedFootballLeague hyped McAfee: "Pat McAfee on Diego Pavia being the UFL QB blueprint," quoting his size-speed take.

Supporters rallied, "Pavia transformed Vandy, clips will go viral in UFL," on X. A critical response said "Heisman finalist UDFA? Size killed him," on Reddit.

McAfee fans on social media agreed with the theory “Opportune time for Pavia show.”

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HT US Desk
The Hindustan Times US Desk brings you the latest news and developments from across the United States. The team covers everything from breaking news and politics to sports, business, entertainment and stories that are trending across the country. Our coverage includes the White House, Congress, US elections, immigration and visa updates, H-1B, green cards, Social Security, education, jobs, layoffs, the economy, technology and major policy changes. We also closely follow stories that matter to Indian and South Asian communities in the US. The desk covers major US sports, including the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL, along with player news, injuries, schedules, results and major events. Entertainment coverage includes Hollywood, celebrities, television, streaming, music and pop culture. We also report on breaking developments, major incidents, weather, public safety, court cases and other stories making headlines across the country. When a major policy or news development affects people's everyday lives, the team works to explain what happened, what it means and what readers need to know. Alongside breaking news, the US Desk produces explainers and practical stories on topics such as immigration, Social Security, taxes, education, employment and government programmes. The team also works on science, tech, business and AI stories analyzing the impact they may have on people. The team follows developments throughout the day, keeping an eye on official announcements, public records, reliable news sources and what people are talking about across the US.Read More

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