The UFL announced that its 2027 draft will take place on November 18 in St. Louis. The event, spanning 15 rounds, will bring together all eight teams, with the first two rounds broadcast on NFL Network at 8 p.m. ET. The draft pool includes eligible 2027 NFL rookies as well as players from the 2023–2026 draft classes who have been on an NFL roster since June 13, 2026.
Pavia went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft before signing with the Baltimore Ravens. The competition for a roster spot was intense, given quarterbacks such as Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley, Joe Fagnano, and Skylar Thompson already in the mix. Pavia was released on July 23 to make room for other roster moves.
Since his release, there has not been public interest from NFL teams, and the current season has progressed. Pavia has shifted his focus toward content creation and live streaming. He recently drew attention after being seen at a Colorado vs. Utah game and commenting on how he might have played for Deion Sanders had he accepted an offer to play at Jackson State.
In college, Pavia finished second in Heisman Trophy voting last year, a result that contrasted with his fall in the NFL draft. Height likely played a role, as measurements placed him just under 5-foot-10, contrary to prior beliefs. His outspoken nature may also have influenced perceptions among evaluators.
At Vanderbilt, Pavia helped the Commodores achieve the program’s first 10-win season and earned SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors by accounting for 39 total touchdowns and 3,539 passing yards. He has consistently expressed confidence in his ability to compete at the professional level, stating that any team he joins will get a proven winner.
The UFL operates with a 64-player camp roster limit, and teams can sign additional free agents after the draft. This means Pavia’s options aren’t limited to the draft itself; there could be opportunities to join a team afterward.
Pavia has long expressed a strong desire for an NFL opportunity, emphasizing his readiness to compete with maximum effort. There were rumors that the UFL sought to elevate Pavia as a potential face of the league, but no formal outcome emerged from those discussions.
The UFL’s pathway to the NFL is not new. Past players have used the league as a springboard back to major professional opportunities. For example, players have transitioned from the UFL to NFL practice squads and rosters, highlighting the league’s potential as a stepping-stone rather than a final destination.
Additionally, Pavia has a potential avenue in another professional league. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers hold negotiating rights that could allow him to join the Canadian Football League if he chooses to pursue that route.
With his NFL prospects still up in the air, the UFL draft could provide a timely and meaningful twist in Pavia’s career. The question remains whether a team will take a chance on him during the draft, or if another door will open to keep his professional football ambitions alive.
