Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia has now notched two landmark wins this year. State of play: Pavia led the Commodores to a historic win over Alabama this fall. Then on Wednesday he scored a legal victory over the NCAA in his lawsuit about the eligibility for junior college players.

If the ruling in Diego Pavia's eligibility case against the NCAA stands, Vanderbilt football — and other athletes — could be greatly affected.

Pavia played two seasons at New Mexico Military Institute before transferring to New Mexico State and later Vanderbilt. Under previous rules, Pavia was granted the typical four years, plus the blanket waiver Covid season after playing in 2020, which allowed him to play in 2024.