Josh Heupel and Tennessee football found its transfer quarterback on Monday night, landing super senior Joey Aguilar by way of UCLA and Appalachian State.
It’s unclear whether Tennessee will have open competition for its starting quarterback position or not, but either way Aguilar will be the favorite to start behind center for the Vols next season. In two seasons at App State, Aguilar ranks fifth in the program’s history in both passing yards and touchdowns.
So what is there to know about Joey Aguilar. Taking a look here.
Aguilar Never Played A Game At UCLA
Aguilar is transferring from UCLA to Tennessee football but comes to Knoxville having never played a game for the Bruins. UCLA landed Aguilar out of the transfer portal in December before casting him to the side for Nico Iamaleava.
With the Bruins adding the former Tennessee quarterback as their new starter, Aguilar was out to pasture and had to look for a new home in his final year of eligibility. Tennessee and Aguilar met on Monday and quickly agreed on a one-year marriage for the 6-foot-3 quarterback’s final year of eligibility.
Aguilar Played Two Years At Junior College
Aguilar was a no-name, unranked prospect coming out of high school and started his college career at Diablo Valley Community College just 30 minutes from his home town of Oakley, California in the Bay Area.
He played in 16 games over two seasons at Diablo Valley, combining to complete 228-of-379 (60%) of his passes for 2,992 yards, 21 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Diablo Valley went 13-9 during Aguilar’s two seasons on the team. After his two seasons close to home, Aguilar traveled back across the country to play at App State.
Aguilar Was The 2023 Sun Belt Newcomer Of The Year
Aguilar arrived at App State with little fanfare, ranking as the No. 179 junior college transfer of the 2023 offseason according to 247sports.
But Aguilar was a fantastic breakout star for the Mountaineers out of nowhere. He completed 64% of his passes for 3,757 yards, 33 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while rushing for 249 yards and three touchdowns.
In the process, Appalachian State won the Sun Belt east division with a 9-5 (5-3 Sun Belt) before losing to Troy in the conference championship game. Aguilar earned Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year honors.
Aguilar’s Production Took A Step Back In 2024
After a breakout 2023 season, Aguilar was the Sun Belt Preseason Offensive Player of the Year entering the 2024 season.
But things did not go well for Aguilar or App State. The Mountaineers went 5-6 (3-5 Sun Belt) in 2024 missing a bowl game and the school terminating head coach Shawn Clark. Its defense was its biggest issue, ranking 114 of 133 nationally in scoring defense allowing 32.9 points per game.
While the Mountaineers’ defense was their biggest problem, Aguilar and the offense also took a serious step back. After his highly effective 2023 season, completing 56% of his passes for 3,003 yards, 23 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He also added 207 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
It’s hard to figure out why he took a step back. Appalachian State had the same offensive coordinator they had in 2023, returned its top four receivers and its starting tight end. Aguilar’s struggles are befuddling.
Aguilar Has Played Two Games Against ACC Opponents
App State played two power four teams during Aguilar’s two seasons in Boone, facing off against North Carolina in 2023 and Clemson in 2024. Much like those two seasons, things went well in 2023 and poorly in 2024.
North Carolina knocked off App State 40-34 in two overtimes in 2023. Aguilar had a strong performances, completing 22-of-43 passes for 275 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He ran for 42 yards on six carries.
A year later, Clemson routed the Mountaineers 66-20. Aguilar completed just 18-of-41 passes for 214 yards and a touchdown.
