5 days ago 9

Diego Pavia Facing Backlash for Clap Back at Alabama’s Ryan Williams

Last season, the Vanderbilt Commodores shocked the world with an unforgettable upset of the Alabama Crimson Tide. It was Vandy's first win over the Tide in more than 20 years and they had never beaten a top-five team, per SportRadar.

Leave it to the outspoken Diego Pavia, who had a monster performance in that upset, to further fan the flames between the two SEC programs over social media in response to Alabama star wide receiver Ryan Williams.

Williams, the rising sophomore wideout, told former NFL head coach Jon Gruden that "we're going to kill an ant with a sledgehammer," making the analogy that Vanderbilt is an ant and Alabama is a sledgehammer.

Pavia shared a reel on social media of Gucci Mane's “Made It (Outro)” with the lyrics overlaid on a picture of Williams.

Pavia's caption on the post said, "RUN IT."

College football fans clowned on Pavia for talking up the matchup as if the Commodores have any real chance.

"About to be run out of Tuscaloosa by halftime," said one fan.

"Ain’t this dude like 36 beefing with a teenager 😂," said another.

"Looking forward to Diego Pavia and Vandy getting absolutely humbled this year," read one reply.

"Vandy lucked up," commented another.

"Vandy had a lucky year last year. They will be 0-8 or 1-7 next season in SEC games," replied a fan.

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia.

"He will need armed security to get into Tuscaloosa," said another fan.

Vanderbilt finished the season 7-6 and closed out the year with a 35-27 win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Birmingham Bowl.

The Commodores could be built to surprise some teams. Steven Lassan of Athlon Sports has Vanderbilt slotted at No. 37 in his top 136-team college football rankings.

"Quarterback Diego Pavia’s return gives the Commodores a chance to surprise once again," wrote Lassan. "Coach Clark Lea’s defense is one of the most experienced units in the SEC for ’25."

Meanwhile, Williams is one of the top players in the sport and is ranked No. 15 in On3's NIL 100 with a $2.7 million valuation.

The Crimson Tide will host the Commodores on Oct. 4.

Read Entire Article