QB Joey Aguilar is Heading to Rocky Top! Big Arm. Big Plays. Big Things Coming for the Vols!………… more details
In a bold and exciting move that has Tennessee Volunteers fans buzzing, quarterback Joey Aguilar has officially committed to joining the Vols for the upcoming college football season. With his rocket arm, proven production, and competitive fire, Aguilar brings a new wave of hope and potential to Rocky Top as the Vols prepare for a critical year in the SEC.
Aguilar’s college football journey has been anything but ordinary. After two standout seasons at Appalachian State, where he passed for over 7,700 yards and 56 touchdowns, Aguilar briefly transferred to UCLA in early 2025. But with the Bruins acquiring five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava from Tennessee in a stunning portal twist, Aguilar was once again looking for the right opportunity. That opportunity came knocking fast from Knoxville.
On April 29, Aguilar announced his commitment to the Volunteers via social media with a message full of gratitude and determination. “Rocky Top, I’m ready to give you everything I’ve got. Let’s make something special happen,” he wrote.
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel moved swiftly to bring in Aguilar, recognizing his experience and arm talent as critical additions to a quarterback room in transition.
At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, Aguilar isn’t just a big presence—he’s a playmaker. During his time at Appalachian State, he dazzled fans with deep passes, pocket poise, and the ability to extend plays with his legs. His 2023 campaign included 3,600+ yards and 28 touchdowns. He followed it with another strong year in 2024, leading the Mountaineers to multiple upset wins and gaining national attention.
However, his aggressive style has also brought challenges. Aguilar threw 24 interceptions in his two years, a number that will need to drop significantly in the SEC. But Tennessee is betting on his upside, maturity, and competitive fire to overcome those concerns.
With Aguilar’s arrival, Tennessee’s quarterback situation just got a lot more intriguing. He enters a room that already includes redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and early enrollee George MacIntyre, one of the nation’s top quarterback recruits. While neither has taken a college snap yet, both have spent time learning Heupel’s fast-paced offense.
Aguilar will need to catch up fast. Because he joined the program after spring camp, he’ll have to learn the playbook and build chemistry with his receivers during summer workouts and fall camp. His experience, however, gives him a unique edge in the battle. He’s started 25 college games—a rarity in today’s game—and knows how to lead a team in high-pressure environments.
Heupel has emphasized that the position is up for grabs, and the next few weeks will be critical in determining who wins the job.
For Tennessee, adding Aguilar is more than just a roster move—it’s a statement of intent. After losing Iamaleava to UCLA, the Vols needed a proven option who could keep them competitive in the brutal SEC East. Aguilar offers immediate experience, a deep-ball threat, and a tough mindset.
Moreover, his arrival has energized the fanbase. Social media lit up after his announcement, with Vols fans welcoming him with open arms and high expectations.
Joey Aguilar’s move to Tennessee is a perfect example of how quickly college football can change in the transfer portal era. What started as a temporary UCLA stopover has turned into a new beginning in Knoxville—a chance to lead a historic program and etch his name into Volunteer lore.