Diego Pavia Channels Sopranos Vibe At Heisman Ceremony

Diego Pavia's Bold Heisman Entrance

This year’s Heisman Trophy ceremony was not just about the awards, but also the unforgettable entrances. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia made waves with his eye-catching appearance, drawing whimsical comparisons to a scene straight out of The Sopranos. The senior, who hails from New Mexico, didn’t just arrive as a finalist – he made a statement.

Wearing a tan suit with a black turtleneck and sleek black shoes, Pavia’s look was completed with multiple gold necklaces and eye-catching lapel pins. His entrance was a refreshing departure from the more conventional styles of his fellow finalists, turning heads and lighting up social media with playful comments. "What in the Sopranos is this?" quipped one user on X.com, formerly known as Twitter.

"I just chose something that resembled Vanderbilt a little bit and, you know, I'm just here to have a good time," Pavia remarked, explaining the inspiration behind his fashion choice.

Despite the buzz surrounding his style, Pavia’s presence at the ceremony underscores his stellar season with Vanderbilt, guiding the team to unprecedented success. Although they fell short of the College Football Playoffs, the Commodores are set to face the Iowa Hawkeyes in the ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year’s Eve, marking a significant moment for a program often overshadowed by larger schools.

Fernando Mendoza's Triumph

While Pavia captured the spotlight for his entrance, it was Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza who stole the show, winning the 2025 Heisman Trophy. Mendoza delivered a stunning season, leading the Hoosiers to their first No. 1 ranking and securing the top seed in the College Football Playoff. His impressive campaign featured 2,980 passing yards and a national-leading 33 touchdown passes, along with six rushing touchdowns.

Mendoza’s victory is a historic one for Indiana, as he becomes the first player from the university to win the prestigious award since its inception in 1935. His commanding win saw him place first in all six Heisman regions, a feat not achieved since Caleb Williams in 2022. "It's really a credit to our team. It's a team award," Mendoza humbly stated, acknowledging the collective effort behind his individual success.

Adding to his accolades, Mendoza was also named The Associated Press player of the year and clinched the Maxwell and Davey O'Brien awards. As Indiana remains the only unbeaten team in major college football, they are set to compete in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the iconic Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day.