ATLANTA, GA – August 30, 2025 – Quarterback Joey Aguilar #6 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the Aflac Kickoff game between the Syracuse Orange and the Tennessee Volunteers at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar is attempting to gain eligibility for the 2026 football season after playing with the Volunteers in 2025. He’ll need to go through the court system in order to do so, though. According to court documents uncovered by The Daily Times’ Caleb Jarreau on Sunday, a preliminary injunction hearing with Chief Judge William L. Campbell is scheduled for Feb. 10. The case involves Aguilar, Diego Pavia, and multiple other players’ quest to seek additional eligibility.
As the current rule stands, Aguilar is out of eligibility following his lone season with the Volunteers. His case is looking for additional years based on the time that he spent at the JUCO level in 2021 and 2022 with Diablo Valley.
We’ll have to wait until mid-February to see what happens next in the case, but CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz doesn’t believe that things are likely after speaking with sources.
“While a waiver is still being pursued and there’s nothing final yet, it’s currently viewed as unlikely that Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar will be granted an additional year of eligibility, sources tell CBS Sports,” Zenitz posted to social media last Sunday.
More From RTI: Tennessee Football Hosting Two-Way Colorado Transfer on Visit
Following his time at Diablo Valley, Aguilar transferred to App State and spent two seasons with the Mountaineers. He made the most of his opportunity by lighting up the program’s record books. After his time with App State, Aguilar transferred to UCLA and went through spring ball with the Bruins in 2025. But with UCLA’s addition of ex-Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava through the spring transfer window last season, Aguilar decided to make a business decision and leave Los Angeles. The Volunteers needed a quarterback late in the process, and Aguilar needed a home. It made sense for the two sides to come together.
After winning a quarterback battle over Jake Merklinger and George MacIntyre during fall camp, Aguilar went on to lead the SEC in passing yards during the 2025 season. His big arm and gunslinger mentality helped Tennessee regain its passing-attack identity. It wasn’t always perfect, but Aguilar’s play helped Tennessee lead the conference in overall offense during the previous season.
With Aguilar’s future in Knoxville still murky, Tennessee will be heading into a second-straight season with an upcoming quarterback battle. Merklinger has transferred to UConn this offseason, but the Vols still have MacIntyre and incoming five-star true freshman Faizon Brandon. Tennessee has also been pursuing transfer quarterbacks, and while they’ve struck out so far, the Vols are reportedly hosting former Colorado quarterback Ryan Stuab on Sunday.
Stay tuned to Rocky Top Insider for more Tennessee Football coverage.
