NCAA back in court over eligibility rules for Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia
September 16, 2025
The NCAA is in court over its eligibility rules with Tuesday’s hearing focused on Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. He is playing his fourth Division I season under a preliminary injunction. Attorney Rakesh Kilaru argues that the NCAA’s rules don’t violate antitrust laws and the association plans to enforce them. The appeals court’s decision won’t affect Pavia this season who also has an NCAA waiver through the 2025-26 academic year. Attorney Ryan Downton argues the rule limits the labor market by counting junior college seasons. The attorney also says Pavia plans to play in the NFL in 2026 while fighting for other junior college athletes to have the same opportunities.