Brother's Guidance Leads QB Diego Pavia to New Mexico State

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, February 28th 2026 at 16:24 GMT by Sporting News
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The Family Connection: How Diego Pavia's Brother Guided Him to New Mexico State

Diego Pavia's surprising move to New Mexico State from San Jose State has quickly become one of the more intriguing stories of the college football transfer portal season. While the Aggies aren't traditionally a powerhouse program, Pavia's rapid commitment - landing a decision in under two weeks despite interest from other schools like Nevada, UTEP, and Incarnate Word - raised eyebrows. Now, the reasoning behind his choice is clear: family. Pavia revealed that his brother, Daniel Pavia, a former New Mexico State quarterback himself, served as his primary advisor throughout the entire transfer process.

The story is a compelling example of the increasingly sophisticated approach student-athletes are taking to navigate the complexities of the transfer portal. No longer solely relying on coaches or traditional recruiting services, players are turning to trusted figures within their inner circles for guidance. In Pavia's case, that figure is someone who understands the unique dynamics of the New Mexico State program - and the head coach - intimately. Daniel Pavia played quarterback for the Aggies from 2017 to 2019, and crucially, was a teammate of current head coach Kenny Dillingham. This pre-existing relationship formed the cornerstone of Pavia's decision.

"My brother's been my biggest supporter my entire life, and he's my advisor now," Diego Pavia told Sporting News. This isn't just emotional support; Daniel has actively participated in the decision-making process, accompanying Diego on recruiting visits and engaging in detailed film study. Their collaborative approach speaks volumes about the importance of a familiar face and a trustworthy voice during a period of significant change. Diego elaborated, stating that Daniel understands exactly what he's looking for in a program and has provided brutally honest assessments of each school in contention.

This dynamic highlights a growing trend in college football recruitment: the rise of the 'player-advisor.' While agents are increasingly involved at the professional level, the NCAA's restrictions on representation for college athletes mean players often rely on family members or close mentors to help them evaluate opportunities. The Pavia brothers' situation is particularly interesting because Daniel's personal experience at New Mexico State gave him an insider's perspective that no recruiter could provide. He understands the culture, the coaching staff, and the challenges and opportunities that await his brother.

Diego Pavia's stats from the 2023 season at San Jose State show a promising player. Appearing in seven games, he completed 67 of 113 passes for 823 yards, throwing six touchdowns against four interceptions. While not a dominant statistic, it demonstrates a baseline of potential. Now, Pavia is poised to compete for the starting quarterback role at New Mexico State, a position that, with his brother's insight, he believes is a realistic opportunity.

Coach Dillingham, who has quickly gained a reputation as a dynamic recruiter and program builder, seems to embrace this family-centric approach. He understands the value of trust and established relationships, and the fact that Pavia's brother is a former teammate likely played a role in the swift and positive recruitment process. It's a smart move for both parties; Pavia gets a familiar support system, and Dillingham gains a talented quarterback with a built-in understanding of the program's ethos.

Beyond the Pavia story, other headlines in college football continue to unfold. The Pac-12 remains dominated by USC and Oregon, heading into what will be its last season in its current configuration before the mass exodus to other conferences. Meanwhile, Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis continues to make progress in his recovery from a serious leg injury, offering a glimmer of hope for the Seminoles' 2024-25 season. As we look ahead to the bowl season, early predictions suggest a competitive landscape with several teams vying for national championship contention. But for now, the story of Diego and Daniel Pavia serves as a reminder that in the world of college football, sometimes the most important connections are the family ones.