After the announcement that New Mexico State coach Jerry Kill was stepping down as head coach, quarterback Diego Pavia announced he would enter the transfer portal. The junior quarterback is coming off his best season in college, and his athleticism will make him a sought-after prospect for 2024.
Landing Spots for Diego Pavia
Pavia finished 2023 with 2,973 yards, 26 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He added 928 rushing yards and seven touchdowns during the season. He helped the Aggies improve from a 2-10 record in 2021 to consecutive winning seasons with a 7-6 record in 2022 and a 10-5 record in 2023.
MORE: College Football Transfer Portal Tracker
Having a mobile quarterback as athletic as Pavia should make him a prospect to go after, especially with him having two more years of eligibility left. He could end up being a late Christmas present for quarterback-needy colleges.
Nevada Wolf Pack
Let’s start with the school that moved quickly on making an offer. Pavia posted on his X account Saturday that the Nevada Wolf Pack had already made an offer for him to play at the school.
The Wolf Pack are coming off a rough 2-10 season that saw poor, inconsistent play at quarterback. Nevada’s three quarterbacks that played combined for 2,102 yards with six touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Pavia would instantly be an upgrade for Nevada at the most important position. His dynamic play would make him a good fit for their team as they look for a clean rebuild with new coach Jeff Choate. If Nevada can bring in some playmakers for Pavia, this team could compete in the Mountain West for the next two seasons.
Oregon State Beavers
A new era for Oregon State football begins in 2024 with the school looking to play mostly Mountain West Conference teams. That will come with change as the team lost quarterbacks Aidan Chiles and starter DJ Uiagalelei to the transfer portal. They gained Idaho transfer quarterback Gevani McCoy to compete for the starting job.
Uiagalelei showed off he could be mobile which could be a smooth transfer of quarterbacks with Pavia. The QB competition would be competitive with McCoy and Pavia going at it, but Pavia has a good chance of taking the job.
Vanderbilt Commodores
The obvious connection with former New Mexico State offensive coordinator Tim Beck joining Vanderbilt in the same position makes the Commodores a potential landing spot. Three of the Commodores’ quarterbacks entered the transfer portal, including starter AJ Swann, heading to LSU. Two quarterbacks have already transferred to Vanderbilt, including Utah’s Nate Johnson and Pavia’s teammate Blaze Berlowitz.
There would be heavy competition at quarterback in the spring, but Pavia’s knowledge of the offense and how he progressed from year one to year two ensured that he was a good fit. Vanderbilt is shaping up to be looking good from their transfer portal pickups, as Pavia would be a surprise pickup for them, but one that would make sense.
Boise State Broncos
The Boise State Broncos are pursuing a new quarterback after starter Taylen Green entered the transfer portal and committed to Arkansas. Boise State went on a nice run at the end of the season, winning five straight before losing to UCLA in the Starco Brands LA Bowl.
A new quarterback is much needed for the Broncos as they look for Green’s replacement. Pavia and Green have similar playing styles, with Pavia being the most polished passer of the two. Boise State should pursue Pavia to be their instant starter going into 2024.
UTEP Miners
Just three and a half hours from Pavia’s hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is another Conference USA school needing a quarterback. UTEP finished 2023 with a 3-9 record and a change of head coach. They are bringing in Austin Peay quarterback Skyler Locklear as he has a connection with new coach Scotty Walden after being Austin Peay’s coach for four seasons.
MORE: CUSA QB Rankings, 2023
Pavia has played at a high level in college and would help upgrade the quarterback position that has hurt the Miners. A fresh start with a new coaching staff could allow Pavia to play against his old team and thrive again in the conference.
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