**ESPN’s Rece Davis Regrets Heisman Vote After Pavia’s Social Media Outburst**
Key Takeaways:
- Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia finished second in the 2025 Heisman Trophy voting.
- Pavia reacted angrily on Instagram, leading to backlash and a public apology.
- ESPN’s Rece Davis, a Heisman voter, later said he regretted voting for Pavia.
Nashville, TN — The topic “pavia heisman” is trending after ESPN’s Rece Davis publicly revealed that he regrets casting his 2025 Heisman Trophy vote for Diego Pavia, the Vanderbilt quarterback, following Pavia’s controversial reaction to losing the award.
Pavia’s Outburst Shakes Heisman Weekend
Diego Pavia finished as the runner-up in the 2025 Heisman Trophy race, behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. Shortly after the ceremony, Pavia lashed out via his Instagram Story, writing “F-All THE VOTERS” with a thumbs-down emoji. His outburst sparked outrage across social media platforms and among college football analysts. Within 24 hours, Pavia issued a formal apology on X (formerly Twitter), recognizing his emotional immaturity and expressing respect for the voting process and fellow finalists.
Rece Davis: “I Regret My Vote”
Appearing on the newest episode of the College GameDay Podcast, veteran ESPN broadcaster Rece Davis stated that although he initially voted for Pavia due to his dynamic play and Vanderbilt’s underdog success, the quarterback’s post-ceremony behavior made him second-guess his decision. “After Pavia’s behavior in the aftermath, I was like ‘Man, I’m glad he didn’t win,'” Davis admitted. This marks just the second time in over 20 years that Davis says he has regretted a Heisman vote.
A Close Race and a Painful Loss
Pavia’s rise has been a story of persistence, going from overlooked high school prospect to Heisman finalist. The pressure and emotion of seeing his dream fall just short were apparently too much in the moment. While many have accepted his apology, the incident highlights the scrutiny that accompanies star athletes at the apex of college football. Notably, some voters and fans expressed empathy, citing the emotional toll such moments can carry for competitive players.
Legacy and Bowl Game Up Next
Pavia will have a final platform to elevate his on-field legacy when he leads Vanderbilt in the upcoming ReliaQuest Bowl. A strong showing in that game could help shift the narrative back to football and his achievements rather than this public controversy. Meanwhile, the Heisman voting process may face renewed discussions on character and conduct beyond the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is pavia heisman trending?
A: A post-Heisman trophy social media rant from Diego Pavia and Rece Davis’s regret over voting for him fueled widespread discussion.
Q: What happens next?
A: Pavia is set to play one final college game in the ReliaQuest Bowl, which could influence his draft stock and public image.
#PaviaHeisman
