Why Diego Pavia attorneys are fighting the NCAA for seventh year of eligibility

Jeff Hauser

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Why Diego Pavia attorneys are fighting the NCAA for seventh year of eligibility image

Attorneys for Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia are escalating their fight with the NCAA, arguing that inconsistent eligibility rulings justify allowing former junior college players to pursue a seventh season of college athletics.

In a new filing seeking a preliminary injunction, Pavia’s legal team sharply criticized the NCAA’s recent decision involving James Nnaji, a former NBA draft pick who was granted four years of college eligibility despite having played professionally in Europe. The memorandum framed the Nnaji ruling as evidence of arbitrary enforcement.

Nnaji, the No. 31 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, never appeared in an NBA game or signed a standard NBA contract. He committed to Baylor on Christmas Eve after the NCAA ruled he retained four full seasons. Pavia’s attorneys contrasted that outcome with the NCAA’s resistance to granting an extra year to former junior college athletes, calling the disparity indefensible.

“He will be 25 before he runs out of eligibility,” the filing states, while noting the NCAA’s claim that younger athletes are harmed if 22-or 23-year-old former JUCO players receive additional seasons.

 

Pavia already secured a sixth year through an injunction tied to his time at New Mexico Military Institute. His lawyers are now seeking to amend the lawsuit, add plaintiffs, including Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar, and push toward broader relief that could open the door for a seventh season.

The case continues to test whether NCAA eligibility rules can withstand antitrust scrutiny, with implications that extend well beyond Pavia’s own future. Whether he'll stay at Vanderbilt for a potential extra year remains to be seen. It's unlikely he'll jump elsewhere as well. 

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