Diego Pavia Challenges NCAA For Extra Year Of College Football Eligibility
- Diego Pavia is suing the NCAA for an additional year of eligibility based on his junior college experience.
- Pavia's attorney claims current NCAA rules limit economic opportunities for athletes from junior colleges.
- The outcome of this case could lead to altered regulations affecting the eligibility of junior college football players.
Diego Pavia, a quarterback from Vanderbilt, is taking legal action against the NCAA to secure an extra year of eligibility. His lawsuit stems from his experiences at a junior college in 2020 and 2021, where he was unable to profit from his name, image, and likeness (NIL) under current NCAA guidelines. Pavia's attorney argues that the NCAA's rules unfairly restrict opportunities for athletes coming from junior colleges, who typically can only play two to three seasons at the NCAA Division I level. The filing seeks a temporary restraining order before a hearing is held, which would allow Pavia the chance to negotiate terms for playing at Vanderbilt next season. A ruling in his favor could prompt significant changes to JUCO eligibility regulations, potentially impacting how players can capitalize on their NIL rights after transferring to NCAA programs.