Tennessee Football QB Transfer Joey Aguilar Set to Arrive Earlier Than Expected
The Tennessee Volunteers added Joey Aguilar from UCLA after he entered the transfer portal after Nico Iamaleava announced he would be joining the Bruins after transferring from the Tennessee Volunteers.
Aguilar was a great addition, however, things didn’t align with the possibility of his arriving late. Luckily for the Vols and the transfer portal QB, he will be on campus much earlier than expected.
Aguilar is expected to be on campus next week as Summer quickly approaches. Aguilar is set to compete for the starting job, and is even considered the front-runner for the Tennessee Volunteers starting QB position.
Aguilar finished last season with over 3,000 yards, 23 passing touchdowns, and 14 interceptions.
Tennessee football’s quarterback room is set to receive a significant boost as transfer Joey Aguilar is now scheduled to arrive in Knoxville earlier than initially anticipated. Originally expected to join the Volunteers in mid-June due to UCLA’s quarter system, Aguilar will now be on campus by Monday, May 12, 2025. This accelerated timeline is possible because Aguilar remained enrolled at Appalachian State through online courses while attending UCLA, allowing him to graduate and become eligible to join Tennessee ahead of schedule .
Aguilar’s early arrival is timely for the Volunteers, who are navigating a transitional period following the departure of former starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava to UCLA. Iamaleava’s exit, reportedly due to disputes over name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation, left a void at the quarterback position . Aguilar, who had briefly transferred to UCLA before Iamaleava’s arrival, found himself seeking a new opportunity and committed to Tennessee on April 29, 2025 .
During his two seasons at Appalachian State, Aguilar established himself as a prolific passer, amassing 6,759 passing yards and 56 touchdowns over 25 games. His performance earned him accolades such as the 2023 Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year and the 2023 Cure Bowl MVP . In the 2024 season, he threw for over 3,000 yards with 23 touchdowns and 14 interceptions .
At Tennessee, Aguilar will join a quarterback room that includes redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and true freshman George MacIntyre. While Aguilar brings the most collegiate experience, he will need to acclimate to head coach Josh Heupel’s offensive system. His early arrival provides a valuable opportunity to integrate into the team dynamics and compete for the starting role during summer workouts and fall camp .
Financially, Aguilar’s move to Tennessee is also notable. Reports indicate that his NIL deal with the Volunteers is valued at approximately $1.2 million, aligning with the remaining value of his previous agreement at UCLA. This figure is significantly lower than the $2.4 million that Iamaleava was set to earn at Tennessee before his transfer, highlighting a cost-effective acquisition for the Volunteers .
Aguilar’s presence is expected to bring stability and leadership to Tennessee’s offense as the team prepares for the 2025 season. His experience and proven track record at the collegiate level position him as a strong contender for the starting quarterback role. With his early integration into the program, Aguilar has the opportunity to make a significant impact and guide the Volunteers through a pivotal season.
