Ty Simpson knows all eyes will be on Alabama football and Vanderbilt Saturday, Oct. 4 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. But he also knows a certain set of eyes will be on Vanderbilt's quarterback.

Since Alabama's 40-35 road loss to Vanderbilt in 2024, Diego Pavia has taken the college football world by storm.

After accounting for more than 3,000 total yards and 26 total touchdowns last season, Pavia is averaging nearly 250 passing yards, nearly 60 rushing yards and three touchdowns per game in 2025, leading the Commodores to a 5-0 record and a No. 17 ranking heading into their meeting with No. 11 Alabama .

Simpson said he's never met Pavia, but has "a ton of respect for him."

"He's a dog," Simpson said. "Plays with a chip on his shoulder as well. Watching him and their highlights of

See Full Page