In a college football landscape reshaped by NIL deals and the transfer portal, few stories have unfolded as dramatically as Tennessee’s quarterback shake-up this spring. Following the unexpected departure of Nico Iamaleava, the Vols now appear to be zeroing in on a surprising but promising target: Joey Aguilar, the former Appalachian State standout and recent UCLA transfer.
With reports suggesting that Tennessee is actively pursuing Aguilar to fill their sudden void at QB1, fans are left wondering: Is Joey Aguilar the right fit for Rocky Top? Let’s take a deep dive into the background, timeline, and implications of this potential game-changing move.
Recap: What Happened With Nico Iamaleava?
Nico Iamaleava, once heralded as the Vols’ quarterback of the future, shocked fans and insiders alike when he entered the transfer portal this spring. The cause? A reported NIL dispute.
Iamaleava originally signed a lucrative NIL deal worth $2.4 million annually, but his camp pushed for a renegotiation to $4 million per year after a season where he showed flashes of brilliance. When the Vols’ administration and coaching staff resisted the ask, tensions flared. Iamaleava allegedly missed practices and team meetings in protest.
Rather than caving, Tennessee made a bold call — they moved on.
A few days later, Iamaleava committed to UCLA, returning to his Southern California roots and joining a program where his younger brother is already committed. It was a quick, decisive ending for a relationship once thought to define the next three years of Tennessee football.
Enter Joey Aguilar: From App State to UCLA… to Knoxville?
While Iamaleava was packing his bags for Los Angeles, Joey Aguilar was heading in the other direction.
The senior quarterback, who had transferred from Appalachian State to UCLA during the offseason, announced this week that he is back in the transfer portal, citing depth chart concerns and uncertainty around playing time in a now-crowded quarterback room.
Almost immediately, Aguilar was linked to Tennessee.
According to multiple reports, the Volunteers are not just passively interested — they’re meeting with Aguilar, reviewing film, and even talking NIL terms. With their quarterback room left razor-thin after Iamaleava’s exit, the fit is logical and, arguably, urgent.
Who Is Joey Aguilar? A Closer Look
Joey Aguilar’s journey is not your typical five-star-to-starter tale. Coming out of California’s Diablo Valley College, he had zero Power Five offers. He landed at Appalachian State, where he quickly emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in the Group of Five.
2023 Season at App State
- Passing Yards: 3,757
- Touchdowns: 33
- Completion Percentage: 63.6%
- Accolades: Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year, Manning Award Watch List
- Style: Pro-style with strong pocket presence, deep ball capability, and smart decision-making
2024 Follow-Up
- Passing Yards: 3,003
- Touchdowns: 23
- Interceptions: 6
- QBR: Top 30 nationally
Aguilar’s numbers speak for themselves. He’s efficient, productive, and experienced — a rare combination in today’s portal-hopping landscape. At 6’3″, 220 pounds, he brings a mature presence and is praised for his leadership and preparation.
Why Tennessee Needs Joey Aguilar Now
With Iamaleava gone, Tennessee’s quarterback room is suddenly filled with question marks:
- Jake Merklinger: A redshirt freshman with potential, but minimal in-game reps.
- George MacIntyre: A talented true freshman, but too raw to lead an SEC team in 2025.
- Walk-ons and Transfers: No immediate threats or plug-and-play options.
Tennessee is coming off back-to-back top-15 finishes under Josh Heupel, and with a reloaded receiver room and strong offensive line, the Vols can’t afford a rebuilding year. They need a mature signal-caller who can win now.
Aguilar, with two years of starting experience and proven success in a pass-heavy offense, checks every box.
Film Study: Aguilar’s Strengths and How He Fits Heupel’s System
Josh Heupel’s offensive system is fast, vertical, and aggressive. It requires a quarterback who:
- Can make pre-snap reads quickly
- Has a fast release
- Can throw deep with accuracy
- Can scramble in pressure situations
Aguilar’s Appalachian State film shows:
- Great touch on intermediate and deep throws
- Confident pocket movement
- Veteran patience in progressions
- A knack for converting third downs under pressure
His arm strength may not be Iamaleava-level elite, but his decision-making and command at the line of scrimmage might actually make the offense more efficient — especially early in the season when cohesion matters more than raw upside.
NIL and Locker Room Fit: A Better Culture Match?
Another factor that makes Aguilar a fit for Tennessee is culture.
Iamaleava’s exit was more than just financial. According to insider reports, there were growing disconnects between him and the coaching staff, particularly around leadership expectations and practice commitment.
In contrast, Aguilar is considered a team-first leader. He was beloved by teammates at App State, often praised for late-night film study and vocal leadership in the locker room.
With Tennessee trying to solidify its identity as a blue-collar, high-character program, Aguilar could be the bridge that keeps things steady in 2025.
What Needs to Happen Next?
For Aguilar to land in Knoxville, several things must align:
- NIL Alignment: Tennessee’s collective needs to present a reasonable but competitive package (likely in the $500,000–$700,000 range).
- Academic and Transfer Paperwork: Aguilar has already transferred once this year. Getting immediate eligibility will require tight timing and NCAA compliance.
- Public Commitment: The sooner Aguilar commits, the more time he’ll have to integrate with the team during summer workouts and fall camp.
If these steps go smoothly, Tennessee could go from quarterback uncertainty to a secure, experienced starter in a matter of weeks.
Fan Reactions: Mixed but Hopeful
The Tennessee fan base is understandably emotional following Iamaleava’s departure. Social media has lit up with comments ranging from cautious optimism to frustration. However, many are starting to see Aguilar as a potential hidden gem.
Some fans are noting Aguilar’s leadership and poise as exactly what the Vols need during a transition period. Others are hesitant, wanting to see a stronger arm or a five-star pedigree. But overall, the sentiment is shifting toward cautious excitement.
Final Take: Why This Move Makes Sense for Everyone
The irony of this situation shouldn’t be lost: two quarterbacks, essentially swapping coasts, each hoping to find a better fit.
But from a purely football perspective, this could be the best-case scenario for Tennessee:
- A proven quarterback with 60+ career touchdowns
- No drama or NIL standoff
- A better cultural fit for Heupel’s vision
And for Aguilar? He gets the stage he’s always deserved — SEC lights, a top-15 team, and a passionate fan base hungry for leadership.
If the Vols seal this deal, don’t be surprised if Joey Aguilar becomes the face of Tennessee Football’s 2025 redemption arc.
Next Steps to Watch:
Expect official updates from Tennessee insiders soon. Aguilar is expected to make a decision within the next two weeks. If he commits, Tennessee will likely enter the 2025 season with him as the starter — and suddenly, the quarterback future in Knoxville won’t look so uncertain after all.
