Just over a week after Tennessee’s dramatic divorce with Nico Iamaleava, it appears the Volunteers have their eyes on their next quarterback.
According to a report from ESPN’s Chris Low on Monday night, former Appalachian State and UCLA quarterback Joey Aguilar plans to sign with Tennessee out of the transfer portal. Aguilar played at App State over the last two seasons and transferred to UCLA in the winter window. After the Bruins’ acquisition of ex-Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava this spring, though, Aguilar chose to take his talents elsewhere.
The 6-foot-3, 220-pound super senior will have one final year of eligibility remaining in a quarterback room that also features rising redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and rising true freshman George MacIntyre.
In two seasons at App State, Aguilar recorded 6,760 passing yards, 56 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions to go alongside 456 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. Aguilar’s second season with the Mountaineers in 2024 did see a dip in production with his completion percentage, passing yards, and passing touchdowns taking a hit. Aguilar did lose star running back Nate Noel between seasons.
- 2023: 63.7%, 3,757 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 249 rushing yards, 3 rushing touchdowns, 9-5 team win-loss record
- 2024: 55.9%, 3,003 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, 207 rushing yards, 2 rushing touchdowns, 5-6 team win-loss record.
For more on Tennessee’s new quarterback, Joey Aguilar, check out Rocky Top Insider’s profile feature here.
More From RTI: UCLA Quarterback Joey Aguilar Transferring To Tennessee Football
Check out some of the talent that Aguilar is bringing with him to Knoxville with the highlight packages below:
