Tennessee Tight End Miles Kitselman Gives Candid and Insightful Reaction to Quarterback Joey Aguilar’s Surprising Transfer to Volunteers

Miles Kitselman has always been known as a straight shooter—honest, intense, and focused on winning. So when reporters asked the Tennessee tight end for his thoughts on quarterback Joey Aguilar transferring into the Volunteers’ program, no one expected a scripted or vague answer. What came out instead was a thoughtful, candid reflection on change, competition, and belief in what the Volunteers are building heading into the 2025 season.

Aguilar, the former Appalachian State standout, announced his commitment to Tennessee earlier this summer, adding an intriguing new layer to the quarterback room in Knoxville. While the move was met with excitement from fans and curiosity from analysts, it was the reactions inside the locker room—particularly from veterans like Kitselman—that shaped the real story.

Speaking after a voluntary summer workout session, Kitselman didn’t mince words. “I think anytime you bring in a guy with starting experience, you’re serious about winning. Joey’s not coming here to sit. He’s coming to compete. And we welcome that. Iron sharpens iron.”

That kind of attitude speaks to the culture head coach Josh Heupel has cultivated at Tennessee over the past few seasons—one that embraces competition rather than shying away from it. For Kitselman, who transferred from Alabama before finding his groove in Knoxville, that mindset is nothing new. He’s lived it.

“I’ve been the new guy before,” Kitselman said. “Coming into a program that already has talent, already has guys who believe they’re next up—it’s not easy. You’ve got to earn respect with everything you do. Joey knows that.”

Aguilar’s transfer comes at a pivotal time for Tennessee football. With Nico Iamaleava having departed for the NFL after just one full year as starter, the quarterback job is wide open. Aguilar brings not just experience—he threw for over 3,000 yards with 33 touchdowns and only 9 interceptions last season—but a chip on his shoulder. At Appalachian State, he proved he could lead, execute under pressure, and rally a team. Now, he wants to do it on a bigger stage.

“I watched his tape,” Kitselman said. “He’s got a quick release, good vision, and he makes smart decisions. But more than that, you can tell he’s a leader. That’s not something you can fake.”

Of course, Aguilar isn’t the only name in the mix. Redshirt sophomore Jake Merklinger and incoming freshman Ryner Swanson are both looking to stake their claim in a post-Nico offense. The competition is expected to be fierce through fall camp. And Kitselman, now a senior and vocal presence in the locker room, sees that as a blessing, not a problem.

“Too many times people talk about transfers like they’re threats,” he said. “Joey’s not a threat—he’s a teammate. If he’s the best guy to lead us, we’ll rally behind him. If it’s Jake or Ryner, same thing. We’re about the T, not about egos.”

It’s a message that resonates in today’s ever-shifting college football landscape, where the transfer portal has become a dominant part of roster building. Kitselman believes the only way to navigate the chaos is through clarity and honesty.

“Coach Heupel doesn’t promise anyone a starting job. He promises a chance. And that’s all anyone can ask for,” he added. “Joey knows what he signed up for. He’s not afraid to compete.”

Kitselman also noted that Aguilar’s arrival has brought “new energy” to summer practices and team meetings. “He asks the right questions. He’s already staying after drills with receivers, learning how we like to run certain routes. That kind of commitment gets noticed.”

Tennessee’s tight end room, which features a mix of veterans and talented underclassmen, will play a big role in helping whichever quarterback emerges as the starter. Kitselman, at 6-foot-5 and known for his blocking as well as his reliable hands, sees his role as a bridge between the quarterback and the rest of the offense.

“Whoever’s under center, my job stays the same: protect, catch, move chains,” he said. “But I’d be lying if I said building chemistry doesn’t matter. That’s why I’ve been meeting up with Joey to go over signals, timing, and red-zone stuff. It’s gotta be automatic by the time we hit the field in September.”

Aguilar, by all accounts, has fit in quickly with teammates, even as he’s learning the intricacies of Heupel’s high-tempo offensive system. According to Kitselman, the new QB hasn’t tried to force anything.

“He’s not walking around acting like he’s already won the job,” Kitselman said. “He listens. He puts in the work. That says more than any speech.”

Still, the competition looms large. With fall camp approaching, every snap will be evaluated. Kitselman expects the coaching staff to make the best decision based on results, not résumés.

“You don’t win games based on what you did last year,” he said. “This is the SEC. You earn everything. Joey knows it. Jake knows it. We all know it.”

Kitselman’s mature outlook is a product of experience. He’s seen how quickly narratives can change in college football. One bad throw, one breakout moment, one injury—everything can flip. That’s why he refuses to put too much weight into early impressions or media speculation.

“Fans are gonna talk. Reporters are gonna write stories. But the real story plays out between the lines,” he said. “Until then, all that matters is grinding every day.”

Kitselman is also quick to credit Tennessee’s culture for creating an environment where transfers like Aguilar can thrive without stepping on toes.

“It starts at the top,” he said. “Coach Heupel sets the tone. He wants us to compete, but also connect. We’re not just teammates—we’re brothers. We hold each other accountable. So when a new guy walks in, he either fits or he doesn’t. Joey fits.”

The tight end believes Aguilar’s experience reading defenses, managing tempo, and handling adversity will give Tennessee a leg up this fall—whether he starts or not.

“I’ve played with quarterbacks who panic when things break down,” Kitselman said. “Joey’s not that guy. He’s got poise. That matters in this league. You’re not going to get a clean pocket every snap. You need someone who can extend plays and still make smart decisions.”

Off the field, Kitselman and Aguilar have bonded over their journeys—both having taken the transfer route, both carrying the burden of proving themselves in new surroundings.

“We’ve talked about it,” Kitselman said. “Being the new guy isn’t easy. But if you embrace it, it can be a strength. You learn to adapt. You learn to lead without forcing it.”

As the Volunteers continue their offseason buildup toward a highly anticipated 2025 campaign, Kitselman remains locked in—not just on his own role, but on helping shape a championship-caliber team.

“I came here to win. I think Joey came here to win too,” he said. “If we all stay focused on that, everything else will fall into place.”

That kind of clarity and leadership is why Kitselman’s voice carries weight inside the Tennessee locker room. His message on Aguilar’s arrival wasn’t just an endorsement of a new teammate—it was a reminder of what Tennessee football stands for in this new era: unity, competition, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.

For Aguilar, the challenge is clear. But thanks to players like Kitselman, the path forward is also paved with support, honesty, and an open invitation to rise to the occasion.