The United Football League (UFL) appears close to landing a prominent quarterback ahead of its 2027 season.
Former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia announced on social media Tuesday, Oct. 20, that he is in negotiations to join the UFL after failing to latch on with an NFL team during the 2026 season.
"Appreciate everyone reaching out with everything on my career," Pavia wrote in a post to X. "My agent (Malki Kawa) and the UFL are currently in negotiations to make this happen! whatever team I end up at, I can promise you one thing- You will get everything I got."
appreciate everyone reaching out with everything on my career. my agent @malkikawa and the UFL are currently in negotiations to make this happen! whatever team I end up at, I can promise you one thing- You will get everything I got 💯
— Diego Pavia (@diegopavia02) October 21, 2026
The UFL did not immediately respond to USA TODAY Sports' request for comment about Pavia's post.
However, league co-owner Mike Repole expressed excitement about the possibility of adding the former Vanderbilt star to the UFL in a post to social media.
"Diego, we would LOVE to welcome you to the UFL!!!!!" Repole wrote in a post to X, before adding, "I promise you one thing, we will challenge you, push you to reach your highest potential, and help you chase your biggest dreams!!!!"
Diego, we would LOVE to welcome you to the UFL!!!!!Great players. Great coaches. Passionate fans. Electric, high-energy, high-scoring football!!!!!6 months ago on the @PatMcAfeeShow we were crystal clear we wanted you in @TheUFL.I promise you one thing, we will challenge you, push you to reach your highest potential, and help you chase your biggest dreams!!!! LET’S F$&KING GO!!! 🚀🏈
— Repole Stable (@RepoleStable) October 21, 2026
It isn't clear exactly when an agreement between Pavia and the UFL could be struck. That said, it's worth noting that the 2027 UFL Draft is set to be held on Wednesday, Nov. 18, in St. Louis.
Players do not have to be signed to UFL contracts to be draft eligible – as teams are just drafting the right to negotiate with potential UFL players – but that could nonetheless serve as a natural deadline by which to get a deal done.
Pavia, 24, enjoyed a standout college career at Vanderbilt after transferring in from New Mexico State. He helped lead the Commodores to back-to-back winning seasons, including a 10-3 record in 2025. Pavia also finished as the runner-up in the 2025 Heisman Trophy voting after completing 70.6% of his passes for 3,539 yards, 29 touchdowns and eight interceptions while adding 862 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground.
Despite his strong performance, Pavia was not selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. That was due to his small stature (5-10, 207 pounds), his lack of elite physical traits and the fact he was set to be a 24-year-old rookie. Even so, his non-selection was notable, as he was the first Heisman Trophy finalist to go undrafted since Jordan Lynch in 2014.
Pavia signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent but was waived on July 23 to create a spot for center Ethan Pocic on the 90-man roster. He remained unsigned following his tenure with the Ravens and, as a result, did not appear in any preseason games.
Now, Pavia will hope the UFL can serve as a proving ground for him as he looks to carve out a career at the professional level.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Diego Pavia announces next career move, where QB will play