Texas football is set to compete in its second consecutive College Football Playoff this season. Under the new 12-team format, the Longhorns aim for their first CFP victory since the system’s inception in 2014. Even if they fall short, the now-SEC powerhouse has a robust succession plan across most positions, including quarterback. This year, Texas has benefitted from having two former five-star quarterbacks, Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning, both ranked among the top passers in the conference. Manning is the likely successor if Ewers declares for the upcoming NFL Draft.
Meanwhile, Diego Pavia of the Vanderbilt Commodores has emerged as one of the SEC’s top quarterbacks. On Wednesday, Pavia was granted a sixth year of eligibility after the U.S. District Court of Middle Tennessee ruled that JUCO seasons no longer count toward eligibility. Pavia played two seasons at New Mexico Military before transferring to New Mexico State and eventually Vanderbilt. The ruling sparked controversy, with Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian publicly criticizing the decision, drawing mixed reactions from fans.
Texas Football HC Under Fire By Fans For JUCO Comment
On3 said on Twitter:
NEW: Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian on Diego Pavia’s eligibility ruling: “I totally disagree… we’re going to have guys 28-29 years old playing college football.” (h/t @Cory_Mose)
This week, the U.S. District Court of Middle Tennessee ruled in favor of Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia, granting him an additional year of NCAA eligibility. Judge William Campbell determined that including JUCO seasons in eligibility calculations “violates antitrust laws,” allowing Pavia to continue as Vanderbilt’s signal-caller for another season. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian voiced strong opposition to the decision, stating, “What’s the point? I don’t get it. I don’t understand it. I totally disagree with it.”
The NCAA retains the option to challenge the court’s decision. “The NCAA is disappointed in today’s ruling and wants all student-athletes to maximize their name, image, and likeness potential without depriving future student-athletes of opportunities,” the governing body stated late Wednesday night. However, Texas football head coach Steve Sarkisian, who made headlines for his outspoken criticism of the ruling, faced backlash from fans in response to his comments.
Hes scared of Pavia haha
— big (@big1074628) December 19, 2024
Sark is definitely still upset about what Penix did to them last year.
— B (@GoBucks5240) December 19, 2024
He’d be singing a different tune if he could keep Manning or Ewers an extra year.
— Phillip Riggs (@phillipriggs85) December 19, 2024
Is Vandy on their schedule next year? The Sark can’t stomach the thought of losing to Vandy lol
— The Word Is Truth (@BiblicalPeace) December 19, 2024
— Robert Clark III (@ItsTheeBobbyC) December 19, 2024
Who’s gonna tell him ? 😂BYU graduation: The average age of a BYU graduate in April 2022 was 25.2, and in June 2022 it was 27.4.
— Ace Football Analytics (@js_ace_football) December 20, 2024
He’s just worried about losing to them
— Casey B (@Lejamesbraun34) December 19, 2024
And you will sign them if ur job is on the line..
— Coach Jackson-BYC (@GPShoops806) December 19, 2024
28-29 year olds?? Math ain’t mathin Lahey
— Tyler (@GoodBull17) December 19, 2024
Chris Weinke won the Heisman at 28 😂
— Benevolus™ (@thebenevolus) December 20, 2024
