"Maybe he'll file a waiver and comeback": Lane Kiffin cheeky with subtle shot at Deigo Pavia during Jaxson Dart question

Lane Kiffin delivers a cheeky response, throwing subtle shade at Diego Pavia while addressing a question about Jaxson Dart. During a Thursday night ESPN interview with Taylor McGregor, the Ole Miss coach added a touch of humor when discussing Dart’s final collegiate game.

When asked about Dart’s performance in Ole Miss’ Gator Bowl victory over Duke on Thursday, Kiffin praised his quarterback but couldn’t resist a cheeky remark.

“It’s awesome; he’s playing great,” Kiffin said with a grin. “You never know, maybe he’ll file a waiver and come back another year.”

Kiffin's smile at the camera added to the humor, leaving fans and analysts to connect the dots.

Kiffin’s quip referenced Vanderbilt quarterback Pavia’s unusual situation. Pavia recently earned an additional year of eligibility after filing a lawsuit against the NCAA, claiming its policy on JUCO eligibility violated antitrust laws. As a result, Pavia is set to return to Vanderbilt in 2025, though the transfer portal remains an option.

Despite Ole Miss’ dominant 52–20 win, Kiffin appeared less than thrilled with Dart’s overall performance. The coach’s candid yet playful comments showed his expectations for his players, even in moments of celebration.

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Diego Pavia confirmed his plans to return for the 2025 season

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia wrapped up an impressive 2024 season with 2,293 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, four interceptions, and a QBR of 74.7 (ranked 26th). Pavia confirmed his plans to return for the 2025 season following Vanderbilt's victory in the Birmingham Bowl last Friday.

"As long as the food chain is how it is—Coach (Clark) Lea, Coach (Jerry) Kill, and everyone stays ... and I'll be here too,” Pavia said. “But I mean, other than that, I want to win it all."

Pavia secured an additional year of eligibility after a court injunction ruled that his junior college years should not count against the NCAA eligibility limits. In the Birmingham Bowl, he showcased his dual-threat ability, completing 13-of-21 passes for 160 yards and three touchdowns while adding 84 rushing yards and two scores on 17 carries.

For the season, Pavia completed 177 of 298 passes for 2,293 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. He also led the Commodores in rushing, amassing 800 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground.

U.S. District Judge William L. Campbell’s order granting the injunction also prohibits the NCAA from taking action against Vanderbilt or any other university should Diego Pavia play a fifth season in 2025.