The Tennessee Volunteers have officially turned the page from the Nico Iamaleava era. That’s the new normal in college football’s NIL landscape—quarterbacks come and go, and rosters can change overnight. After Iamaleava’s surprising transfer to UCLA, Tennessee wasted no time finding its new leader. Joey Aguilar, the transfer from Appalachian State, has been named the Vols’ starting quarterback.
Aguilar isn’t new to big moments. At App State, he showcased toughness, accuracy and the kind of grit that can’t be measured in box scores. Yes, he threw double-digit interceptions in both 2023 and 2024, but development requires adversity. Every quarterback faces growing pains—what matters is how you push through them. Aguilar has done exactly that, and now he brings 25 career starts, 6,760 passing yards, and battle-tested experience into the SEC.
Offensive Identity and Fit
Josh Heupel’s offense thrives on quarterbacks who can process quickly, attack vertically and punish defenses for mistakes. Aguilar checks all of those boxes.
He isn’t Lamar Jackson on the ground, but he moves well enough to escape pressure and extend plays. His deep-ball accuracy makes him a natural fit for Tennessee’s vertical strike system, and his willingness to stay within the scheme will keep the offense on schedule.
With Aguilar at the helm, expect Tennessee to stick to its identity—fast tempo, wide spacing and explosive plays downfield.
Aguilar’s Strengths
More Sports News
• Mobility: Not a blazer, but runs with toughness. Tennessee will mix in designed QB runs to keep defenses honest.
• Vertical passing: His ability to hit the deep ball fits perfectly with the Vols’ aggressive style.
• Experience and resilience: Aguilar has faced the highs and lows of being a starting QB. With 25 starts under his belt, he understands efficiency, decision-making and what it takes to win.
Key Pieces Around Him
Aguilar doesn’t step into an empty cupboard. Tennessee’s wide receiver room is deep with speed and athleticism—they just need consistency. Chris Brazzell II flashed last season with 29 receptions for 333 yards and two touchdowns. Tight end Miles Kitselman adds reliability, posting 22 catches for 301 yards and four scores, plus a rushing TD.
Up front, the offensive line is retooled but not inexperienced. The anchor is Lance Heard, a 6-foot-6, 330-pound left tackle tasked with protecting Aguilar’s blindside. In the backfield, expect a committee approach, with multiple backs rotating to bring fresh legs and different skill sets.
With Heupel’s scheme, Aguilar doesn’t need to be Superman. He just needs to distribute the football, limit turnovers and connect on the deep shots when they’re there. Do that, and the Vols will be dangerous.
Potential Impact
In the short term, Aguilar’s appointment ends the quarterback drama and gives Tennessee stability heading into fall camp. That early decision is crucial—it lets Aguilar build chemistry with his teammates and step into a true leadership role.
Looking long term, Aguilar has a chance to raise his stock for the NFL. If he plays well in 2025, he could slide his way into the 2026 draft conversation. More importantly, he could give Tennessee the steady quarterback play they’ve been searching for.
Challenges and Concerns
Two questions will define Aguilar’s season: Can he limit turnovers? Can his production match his skill set?
Last season, Tennessee struggled to put up the necessary offensive numbers. Aguilar must elevate his play to ensure the Vols’ attack keeps pace in a tough SEC.
Bottom Line
Aguilar isn’t Iamaleava—and he doesn’t need to be. He brings leadership, toughness and a style of play that fits Heupel’s offense. If he protects the football and leans into his strengths, Tennessee has found the right quarterback to lead them into the 2025 season.
