Granted a sixth season of college eligibility, quarterback Diego Pavia plans on using it to continue Vanderbilt's ascension up the Southeastern Conference ranks.

Pavia will get his initial chance to improve on the Commodores' first winning season in 11 years when they play host to Charleston Southern in a nonconference season opener for both teams Saturday in Nashville, Tenn.

Pavia led Vanderbilt to a 7-6 record in 2024 that included a 35-27 victory over Georgia Tech in the Birmingham Bowl. There also was a 40-35 victory over then-No. 1 Alabama in October and a national ranking for the first time since 2013, when the program went 9-4.

"When it comes down to it, every win was important," Pavia said of the 2024 season. "And I think (Alabama) was (big) because we finally got people to beli

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