Vanderbilt University’s star quarterback, Diego Pavia, has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, challenging the controversial name, image, and likeness (NIL) rules. Pavia's lawsuit claims that the NCAA's "JUCO Eligibility Limitation Bylaws" and the "Five-Year Rule" unfairly restrict athletic and economic opportunities for players like him who transferred from junior colleges to Division I schools, according to WSMV.

Pavia's dispute with the NCAA rules arises from his unique path to Division I, starting at New Mexico Military Institute and then New Mexico State before joining Vanderbilt. During his time in junior college, NIL compensation wasn’t available—a key issue in his lawsuit, as reported by WKRN. Pavia also played only eight games in a partial season due to COVID-19, limiting his NIL earning opportunities.

After leading his team’s unexpected comeback, Pavia is now seeking two additional seasons of NCAA Division I eligibility for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, according to the lawsuit reported by WSMV. The sports world is watching to see if Pavia’s bold move will prompt any policy changes from the NCAA, an organization known for slow reforms.

A key legal aspect of the lawsuit is the use of the Sherman Act, raising antitrust concerns. According to a complaint shared by CBS Sports, Pavia’s suit argues that NCAA rules unfairly limit junior college athletes’ ability to earn NIL income compared to students who start at NCAA institutions as freshmen.

As the case continues, the NCAA may need to defend not only its eligibility rules but also its broader approach to balancing athlete rights with institutional policies.