Vandy's grad-transfer (from New Mexico State) QB Pavia was never available to Stanford. Pavia went to Vandy with his longtime mentor, coach Kill. According to the Athletic article: "[Vandy head coach Clark] Lea was a believer after trying to figure out how the heck New Mexico State destroyed Auburn 31-10 on the road last season. He studied the game footage like a film student pores over “Citizen Kane.” He saw Pavia, playing for head coach Kill and offensive coordinator Tim Beck, shredding the Tigers with his arm and legs." Kill retired after that season and Pavia was headed for Nevada with a "substantial" NIL package. But then Lea hired Beck as offensive coordinator, and Kill as chief consultant/senior offensive advisor. Pavia followed his mentor Kill to Vandy.
Also, the SEC in 2020 began allowing grad transfers to pursue a second undergraduate major at their new school instead of enrolling in a graduate program. The move obviously greased the way for top graduating non-SEC players to transfer to the SEC. I don't know if that's what Pavia is doing, but according to a USA Today article he is a 5th year senior at Vandy. I doubt that's available at Stanford.
Also, the SEC in 2020 began allowing grad transfers to pursue a second undergraduate major at their new school instead of enrolling in a graduate program. The move obviously greased the way for top graduating non-SEC players to transfer to the SEC. I don't know if that's what Pavia is doing, but according to a USA Today article he is a 5th year senior at Vandy. I doubt that's available at Stanford.