In one of the most unexpected and strategic moves of the spring transfer portal cycle, Tennessee has secured a commitment from former Appalachian State quarterback Joey Aguilar. In what some are calling a de facto trade, Aguilar’s addition to the Vols comes on the heels of former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava entering the transfer portal and reportedly heading to UCLA. The quarterback carousel continues to spin, but for the Volunteers, it’s spinning in their favor with a veteran signal-caller on the way to Rocky Top.
Josh Heupel and his staff have made another aggressive chess move in their continued quest to elevate Tennessee’s standing as a perennial SEC contender. Here’s why Joey Aguilar’s transfer could be one of the most underrated power plays of the offseason—and what it means for the future of Tennessee football.
Aguilar’s Resume: From Underrated to Undeniable
Joey Aguilar’s journey to Knoxville is the kind that makes college football unique. He wasn’t a five-star recruit or a Heisman finalist, but he played like one last season. In 2023, Aguilar threw for 3,757 yards and 33 touchdowns for Appalachian State while completing nearly 63% of his passes. That production ranked him among the top 10 FBS quarterbacks statistically, putting his name on the radar of Power Five schools in need of stability and upside under center.
Before his rise with the Mountaineers, Aguilar was a JUCO product out of Diablo Valley College in California. His path has been built on grit, development, and maximizing every opportunity. Now, he’ll get his biggest one yet in the SEC.
Why Tennessee? Why Now?
Tennessee wasn’t initially pegged as a program in need of quarterback help heading into 2025. Nico Iamaleava was expected to lead the offense after a strong Citrus Bowl debut, but the curveball came when news broke that he was exploring the transfer portal. Just days later, reports surfaced that Aguilar, who had originally planned to transfer to UCLA, was flipping to Tennessee.
This isn’t just a coincidence—it’s a calculated counter by Tennessee’s staff. According to 247Sports and Sports Illustrated, the Vols began immediate contact with Aguilar the moment Iamaleava’s status became uncertain. Aguilar had already entered the portal after spring ball at Appalachian State and briefly committed to UCLA, but Tennessee’s pitch and opportunity were enough to reverse course.
The Vols offered Aguilar something rare: a Power Five program with a top-tier offense, immediate need, and a stage that could showcase him to NFL scouts. With Heupel’s QB-friendly system and the SEC spotlight, Aguilar’s one season in Knoxville could serve as the ultimate launchpad.
From Nico to Joey: The Portal Trade We Didn’t See Coming
If this offseason saga feels like a trade, that’s because it essentially is. Aguilar to Tennessee, Iamaleava to UCLA—two QBs swapping coasts, playbooks, and pressure.
Iamaleava’s departure shocked some fans, but it’s a reminder that the transfer portal era means no player is untouchable. Tennessee responded with the poise of a contender, identifying and landing Aguilar in less than a week. Athlon Sports compared the move to an NFL-level transaction: swift, strategic, and potentially season-defining.
While Iamaleava’s ceiling remains immense, Aguilar’s floor is higher. He’s a proven starter with over 400 pass attempts, conference championship experience, and a knack for making plays off-script. For a Tennessee program hoping to capitalize on continuity and chemistry, Aguilar could be the stabilizing presence the offense needs.
Offensive Outlook: Aguilar’s Fit in the Heupel System
Heupel’s offense is predicated on pace, precision, and vertical aggression. It’s also notoriously tough on quarterbacks who can’t process reads quickly or make throws on the move. Aguilar’s tape suggests he’s tailor-made for this system.
At App State, he excelled in RPOs, deep-shot opportunities, and tempo-based packages. His arm strength allows him to attack all areas of the field, and he showed poise in clutch situations—including a five-touchdown performance in a 2023 Sun Belt shootout.
What It Means for the Quarterback Room
With Aguilar locked in, Tennessee’s quarterback room reshapes overnight:
- Joey Aguilar (Grad Sr.) – Expected starter with 2023 momentum and portal intrigue.
- Jake Merklinger (Fr.) – Highly regarded 2024 signee, now likely QB2.
- Ryan Gaylor (RS So.) – Walk-on depth with limited experience.
It’s not as star-studded as last year, but it’s serviceable. More importantly, Aguilar brings instant credibility and leadership. He’s played meaningful snaps, prepared like a pro, and understands the stakes.
Look for Tennessee to add another depth piece this summer, perhaps from the second portal window, but Aguilar gives them a reliable QB1 with room to grow into more.
Tennessee’s QB Strategy in the Transfer Portal: Adapt or Die
This move marks another example of Heupel’s evolving portal philosophy: don’t wait, don’t panic—adapt. Last year, Tennessee went portal-lite at quarterback, trusting Joe Milton to bridge the gap until Iamaleava took over. When that plan faltered, the staff acted decisively.
With the way quarterbacks are moving today—more than 30 Power Five QBs entered the portal this spring alone—Tennessee’s ability to pivot and land Aguilar shows that the Vols are building not just a roster, but an infrastructure.
This isn’t a rebuild. It’s a reload.
Final Thoughts: Aguilar Is More Than a Stopgap
To some, Joey Aguilar may look like a temporary fix. But don’t underestimate what he could be at Tennessee.
If he clicks in the system, gels with the offense, and delivers wins, Aguilar could become a one-year legend like Hendon Hooker. He may not be the long-term face of the program, but he can be the bridge to its next golden run. With the SEC expanding and the pressure mounting, Tennessee made a bold bet—and it might just pay off big.
Aguilar is more than just a Band-Aid. He’s a competitor, a playmaker, and now—he’s a Vol.
