According to current eligibility rules, Tennessee football quarterback Joey Aguilar will be ineligible to play college football next season. He spent two seasons at Diablo Valley Community College, two at Appalachian State and now a final year with the Vols — taking advantage of the extra year given to former junior college players.
However, with eligibility rulings seemingly fluid at times, we’ve seen players, such as Diego Pavia, contest the rules and win additional years. On Monday, with three games remaining in the regular season, Aguilar was asked what his plans are going forward.
“Gonna try to see where I can go at the next level,” Aguilar said. “And if something happens, something happens.”
Aguilar was also asked if he ever looks around and wishes he had one more year in Knoxville. With a short window to prepare for the year, he’s proven to be one of the best passers in the SEC despite the turnaround.
“I mean, yeah,” Aguilar said. “But, the one year, I’m blessed for this one year. Grateful to be here for this year. I’m just thankful and took advantage of this opportunity.”
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In nine games at Tennessee, Aguilar has completed 66% of his passes for 2,737 yards, 21 touchdowns and eight interceptions. This marks the most passing yards and is tied for the most passing touchdowns in the SEC.
Next, the Vols will host New Mexico State on Saturday for their final out-of-conference clash of the season. With Tennessee expected to get out to an early and commanding lead, it could make way for its pair of backup quarterbacks to see the field.
That also means it could give us a look at the starter for next season. Tennessee will potentially have the choice between current redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger, current true freshman George MacIntyre, incoming five-star freshman Faizon Brandon and any potential transfer addition.
Both Merklinger and MacIntyre have played limited snaps this year, with Merklinger the first to enter in the case Aguilar has to miss time.
“They compete every day,” Aguilar said. “I tell them, you got to be ready at all times. It happened to me at App State. I walked in to the first game as a backup, starter gets hurt, get thrown in there. They’ve done a great job this year preparing like they’re the starter. Watching film and practicing with good, I don’t know how to say it, but practicing with enthusiasm and excited to be out there. Not thinking like oh, I’m not the stater. They’re attacking it every day like they are. They ask me for questions, I ask them for questions so we get different perspectives on things.”
Kickoff is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. ET and will air on SEC Network.
