Who is Diego Pavia’s Mother? Meet Antoinette Padilla Caught in Viral Theo Von, Tate McRae Date Bet

The college football world has been buzzing recently, and surprisingly, it’s not just about touchdowns and rankings. On Saturday, October 4, 2025, during the Vanderbilt vs. Alabama matchup, fans were reminded of one of the funniest and most talked-about side stories of the season — the viral bet involving quarterback Diego Pavia, his mom Antoinette Padilla, comedian Theo Von, and even pop star Tate McRae.

Meet Antoinette Padilla – Diego Pavia’s Mom

Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt’s star quarterback, has often spoken about the role his mother, Antoinette Padilla, played in shaping his life. She raised him as a single mother, teaching him values of hard work and resilience.

Pavia once described his mom as a fighter who “hates losing more than she loves winning.” Growing up, Padilla made sacrifices to ensure her kids had enough food on the table. Diego later revealed that when his mom claimed she wasn’t hungry, it was often because she was making sure her children ate first.

Raised in a large family with 13 siblings, Padilla carried a “hard-hat, lunch-pail” attitude that she passed down to her son. That spirit is now seen every time Diego steps on the football field.

How Antoinette Padilla Went Viral

Padilla first caught the attention of college football fans last season. During a Vanderbilt game in November, cameras showed her cheering from the stands, and social media quickly lit up with reactions. Many fans praised her energy and presence, and soon, she became a familiar face during Vanderbilt broadcasts.

The Theo Von Bet

The story got even bigger when comedian Theo Von entered the picture. During Vanderbilt’s upset win over South Carolina earlier this season, SEC Network reporters asked Von about a playful bet he made with Diego Pavia.

The bet was simple: if Vanderbilt won, Pavia would set Von up on a date with his mom, Antoinette Padilla.

Von confirmed it live on TV, joking, “Yes, that’s true. My goal is, I would like to marry a nurse one day. But I don’t want to end up being like his stepdad or something.”

The light-hearted moment went viral, and fans have since been curious to know whether the date ever happened.

Tate McRae Joins the Story

Diego Pavia added a twist to the bet after the South Carolina game. He posted on social media that the deal would only be “square” if Theo Von set him up with pop star Tate McRae.

This funny exchange made the story even bigger, with fans now following whether Von, Padilla, or McRae would actually follow through on the playful promises.

Did Theo Von Go on the Date?

As of now, it’s unclear if Theo Von ever went on a date with Antoinette Padilla. Neither Pavia nor Von has confirmed it, and fans are still waiting for an update. However, with ESPN College GameDay featuring Theo Von this week, many believe the question will come up again.

One thing is certain: whether or not the date happens, Antoinette Padilla has become a beloved figure among Vanderbilt fans — and her bond with Diego remains at the heart of this viral story.