Former Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram didn’t mince words when addressing Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia and his post-ceremony reaction after finishing second in the Heisman voting.
Speaking on The Triple Option podcast, Ingram took issue not only with Pavia’s frustration, but with how publicly and emotionally it was expressed, after the award ultimately went to Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
“Instead of giving the love to somebody who’s ungrateful for the opportunity to go to the Heisman, I just want to go back and say, Fernando Mendoza,” Ingram stated. “Amazing year and an amazing speech. … The speech was just very articulate. It was very heartwarming. It was good to see someone of high character win that award.”
Ingram emphasized that the Heisman represents more than elite production on the field. He calls it an award that also reflects character and gratitude.
“Not only is the Heisman Trophy about elite athletic ability, it is also about being an elite human being,” Ingram said. “I think the right guy won the trophy.”
Following the ceremony, Pavia made headlines for a pair of viral moments. First, he posted “F all the voters” on his Instagram story. Later, while at a club, Pavia was filmed flashing his middle finger alongside a sign reading “F*** Indiana,” drawing immediate backlash across the college football world.
Ingram zeroed in on the numbers to underline his point: “‘F all the voters’ was crazy when 189 people had you first on the ballot,” Ingram added. “Maybe you should have said ‘F 643 voters.’”
Alas, Mendoza finished with 643 first-place votes. Pavia received 189, making the margin decisive rather than razor thin.
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While Pavia later issued a public apology, Ingram questioned its authenticity. He suggests it felt more like a damage-control move than a genuine change of heart.
“That wasn’t his apology. Some PR team. Somebody got to him,” Ingram claimed. “He told us how he felt… That’s not the way that you present yourself or your university or your family in that manner.”
All told, Pavia’s on-field résumé however remains undeniable. The Vanderbilt quarterback completed 71.2 percent of his passes for 3,192 yards with 27 touchdowns and eight interceptions, while adding 826 rushing yards and nine more scores. He also led Vanderbilt to the first double-digit win season in program history.
Even without college football’s most prestigious individual award, Pavia’s 2025 campaign will be remembered as one of the most impactful seasons the program has ever seen. It’s just a shame his post-Heisman behavior is what’s dominating headlines.