Texas football will play in their second consecutive College Football Playoff this season. Alongside the new 12-team format, the Texas Longhorns will look for their first CFP victory since its inception circa 2014. Even if Texas falls short, the now-SEC power has a succession plan for most positions, including quarterback. This year, the Longhorns have had the luxury of housing two former five-star quarterbacks, Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning. The duo ranked among the best passers in the conference, with Manning the logical successor for Ewers if he darts for the subsequent NFL Draft.
However, Diego Pavia of the Vanderbilt Commodores sits among them for top SEC quarterbacks. On Wednesday, Pavia earned his sixth year of eligibility, with the U.S. District Court of Middle Tennessee ruling that JUCO seasons no longer count toward eligibility. Pavia spent two seasons at New Mexico Military before transferring to New Mexico State and eventually Vanderbilt. Following the ruling, Texas football head coach Steve Sarkisian ripped the decision, much to fans’ displeasure.
Texas Football HC Under Fire By Fans For JUCO Comment
According to On3 through 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 star quarterback Diego Pavia regarding another year of NCAA eligibility. Judge William Campbell ruled that counting JUCO seasons towards NCAA eligibility “violates antitrust laws,” giving Pavia another year as the Vandy signal-caller. Texas football leadman Steve Sarkisian did not hold back when discussing the ruling, saying, “What’s the point? I don’t get it. I don’t understand it. I totally disagree with it.”
The NCAA can challenge the court ruling. “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,” said the governing body in a statement late Wednesday night. However, with Texas football bench boss Steve Sarkisian grabbing headlines for his displeasure with the ruling, fans put the head coach on blast:
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
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