Quarterback Joey Aguilar officially committed to Tennessee out of the transfer portal on Tuesday, revealing the news with an Instagram post.
Aguilar took the time to thank those who have walked with him along the way and shared his excitement about joining the Volunteers’ program.
“First, I want to thank God for guiding me through this journey and opening doors I could not have imagined. I’m excited to announce that I’m officially committed to the University of Tennessee!
This journey hasn’t been just mine; It’s been shared with everyone who has supported me – thank you.
I’m looking forward to being a part of the traditions, the fans, and the legacy of winning at Tennessee. I’m ready to get to work, compete at the highest level and build something special with my coaches and teammates.
I can’t wait to get to Rocky Top! I’m ready to give my all for Tennessee.”
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Aguilar’s commitment to Tennessee comes in the wake of the Vols’ divorce with quarterback Nico Iamaleava in mid-April before the Orange & White spring game. Iamaleava wound up transferring to UCLA from the portal, which was the same place that Aguilar was this spring. With Iamaleava coming in, Aguiar decided to leave and play his final year of college football elsewhere.
Aguilar played two seasons at Appalachian State before transferring to UCLA this past December. The 6-foot-3 quarterback threw for 6,760 passing yards and 56 passing touchdowns to 24 interceptions during his two seasons with the Mountaineers, but did see a noticeable decline from his breakout 2023 season to his returning 2024 season.
Either way, what Aguilar didn’t have in either year was a coach like Josh Heupel and an offense like Tennessee’s. The California native will have the chance to become the Vols’ starting quarterback this fall as he battles it out with redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and true freshman George MacIntyre.
Merklinger and MacIntyre were Tennessee’s only two quarterbacks during the post-Iamaleava spring game, but with Merklinger only having a bit of experience under his belt in an in-game setting, Heupel went to seek out a transfer quarterback with experience in the spring portal.
ESPN’s Chris Low first reported on Apr. 21 that Aguilar had intentions of joining the Tennessee football program. On Tuesday, Aguilar officially announced his commitment.
Stay tuned to Rocky Top Insider for more Tennessee football offseason news and notes.
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