South Carolina’s Williams-Brice Stadium on September 13, 2025, is the date and venue circled by Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia, a fixture now firmly ingrained in the college football conversation.1 Fresh off a standout 2024 season that saw him earn an extra year of eligibility and reportedly guide Vanderbilt to a successful 7-6 record, including a Birmingham Bowl win and a stunning upset of Alabama, Pavia is “fired up” for the upcoming campaign.2 His focus on the Gamecocks, a team that handed the Commodores a difficult loss in 2024, underscores a competitive fire and a desire for redemption.3
Pavia’s candid revelation came during an appearance on the popular “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast, hosted by former NFL players Taylor Lewan and Will Compton.4 When pressed by Lewan about which game on Vanderbilt’s daunting 2025 schedule he had specifically “circled” as a must-win, Pavia initially hesitated, playfully stating, “I don’t wanna give the opponent no fuel. What if they see this?” Despite his initial reluctance, a smirk and a brief pause led him to declare, “Game 3.” That game, as confirmed by the 2025 SEC schedule, is indeed Vanderbilt’s road trip to Columbia, South Carolina, for a night game against the Gamecocks, marking the SEC opener for both teams.
The significance of this particular matchup for Pavia and the Commodores stems from their last encounter. In the 2024 season, Vanderbilt had entered the game against South Carolina with considerable momentum, having turned heads with their improved play.6 However, the Gamecocks proved to be a formidable opponent, stifling the Vanderbilt offense. Pavia himself struggled in that contest, completing only 16 of 31 passes (52%), throwing no touchdowns, and suffering a crucial fumble via a strip-sack.7 The loss was a stark reminder of the challenges of competing in the SEC, and it evidently left an impression on the competitive quarterback. For a player who prides himself on his dual-threat abilities and his team’s “firepower,” that performance would undoubtedly fuel a desire to prove himself against the same opponent.
Pavia’s return for the 2025 season is a massive boon for Vanderbilt and head coach Clark Lea, who is entering his fifth season at the helm. Pavia’s first season with the Commodores, after transferring from New Mexico State, saw him throw for 2,293 yards and 20 touchdowns, completing 59.4% of his passes, while adding an impressive 800 rushing yards and 8 rushing touchdowns.8 His dynamic play was a key factor in the Commodores’ improved fortunes, culminating in their first bowl win in years.9 This success has generated a newfound sense of optimism and “swagger” within the program, with Pavia himself expressing bold ambitions, including the belief that Vanderbilt “has the firepower” to beat Alabama again and even contend for a national championship. Such statements, while perhaps aspirational for a program like Vanderbilt, highlight the confidence and competitive spirit that Pavia brings.
Vanderbilt’s 2025 schedule, however, is a brutal one. ESPN has ranked it as the second-toughest schedule in the country. Beyond the South Carolina game, the Commodores face road trips to traditional powerhouses like Alabama (on October 4th, a year after their upset victory), Texas (on November 1st), and Tennessee (in the season finale on November 29th).10 They also host formidable SEC opponents like LSU, Missouri, Kentucky, and Auburn. Navigating such a gauntlet will be an immense challenge, and every game, particularly early conference matchups, takes on added importance.
For South Carolina, this early-season SEC opener against a “fired up” Diego Pavia adds an interesting layer to their 2025 campaign. The Gamecocks, under head coach Shane Beamer, are also looking to build on recent momentum.11 They are reportedly generating “major buzz” heading into 2025, coming off a successful 9-3 regular season in 2024 that saw them narrowly miss a playoff spot. With returning quarterback LaNorris Sellers and a focus on both offensive firepower and a revamped defense, South Carolina is aiming for even greater heights. Their 2025 schedule is also incredibly challenging, ranked by ESPN as the No. 7 toughest in the country, including a neutral-site opener against Virginia Tech in Atlanta and home games against Oklahoma and Alabama.
The history between Vanderbilt and South Carolina heavily favors the Gamecocks, who have won 16 consecutive games in the series. This streak adds further motivation for Pavia, as ending such a dominant run would be a significant milestone for the Commodores. The game on September 13th will be played at Williams-Brice Stadium, providing South Carolina with home-field advantage and a passionate crowd. Kickoff is set for either 7:00 or 7:45 p.m. ET, to be televised on either ESPN or SEC Network, ensuring a primetime slot for this intriguing early-season conference battle.12
Pavia’s public declaration, even while trying to avoid giving “fuel” to the opponent, has certainly created some bulletin board material. It reflects a growing confidence within the Vanderbilt program and a quarterback who is unafraid to set high expectations. For a team that has historically struggled in the hyper-competitive SEC, having a leader like Pavia openly targeting a specific game and expressing such belief can be a powerful motivator. It speaks to a changing mindset within the Commodores’ locker room, a belief that they are no longer merely SEC doormats but a program capable of competing and, indeed, winning against established conference foes.
The 2025 season will be a critical test for both Vanderbilt and South Carolina. For the Commodores, it’s about building on the momentum of 2024 and proving that their success was not a fluke. For the Gamecocks, it’s about taking the next step and contending for a College Football Playoff berth. The week three matchup, with Diego Pavia’s gaze firmly fixed on the Gamecocks, sets the stage for a compelling early-season narrative that could shape the trajectory of both teams. It’s a game where personal redemption, program aspirations, and the fierce competition of the SEC will collide.
