Diego Pavia, the quarterback for Vanderbilt, has initiated legal proceedings against the NCAA aiming to secure an additional year of eligibility for college football, as indicated by documents that surfaced on social media.

Pavia, named as the plaintiff in court records from the United States District Court in Nashville, claims that NCAA guidelines limit the duration for which former junior college players can compete in Division I football. These rules also restrict the potential for name, image, and likeness (NIL) earnings. His lawsuit is requesting “declaratory and injunctive relief” from the NCAA.

The crux of Pavia’s lawsuit is the argument that his time spent in junior college should not be counted against his Division I eligibility, especially since junior college athletes often have minimal opportunities to capitalize on NIL revenue.

A representative from Vanderbilt chose not to comment when contacted by The Tennessean on Friday.

Pavia, in his first year at Vanderbilt, has made a significant impact on the team. The previous New Mexico State quarterback has thrown for 1,677 yards, achieving 15 touchdowns against three interceptions, helping lead Vanderbilt to bowl eligibility and securing an unexpected victory over Alabama.

Pavia is currently in his third season of Division I football, having previously played two seasons at New Mexico State following his tenure at New Mexico Military Institute, a junior college in New Mexico, where he played from 2020-21 and claimed a JUCO national championship in his sophomore year.

The 6-foot quarterback is navigating his fifth season of college football, a situation made possible because of COVID-19 allowances. If Pavia is granted another season of eligibility, it would extend his college playing time to six years.