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2w ago

Vanderbilt’s CFP Bid Reaches Crescendo as Pavia Becomes Heisman Betting Favorite

With an extra game off the table, the committee now weighs Vanderbilt’s résumé against critiques of its No. 14 ranking.

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Diego Pavia #2 of the Vanderbilt Commodores warms up prior to the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Oct 4, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Clark Lea watches from the sidelines during the second quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Vanderbilt finished 10-2 for its first 10-win regular season and sits No. 14 entering the College Football Playoff selections.
  • BetMGM moved Diego Pavia to Heisman favorite at -110 on Saturday after title game miscues by rivals; he has 3,192 passing yards, 27 TDs and 826 rushing yards.
  • Quarterback Diego Pavia and coach Clark Lea criticized the selection process, alleging politics, shifting criteria and bias tied to the program’s history.
  • The school explored an NCAA-exempt 13th game to strengthen its case, but athletic director Candice Lee cited rules and logistics that prevented it.
  • Supportive analyses and commentary, including Tim Groseclose’s common-opponent study and remarks from SEC commissioner Greg Sankey, amplified Vanderbilt’s argument as major outlets project a Florida bowl if the CFP push falls short.