Tennessee football is preparing for its Music City Bowl matchup with Illinois, but is also forced to figure out what its roster will look like next season at the same time. The primary position that is up in the air is potentially the most important. Will Joey Aguilar be able to return at quarterback, or will the Vols have to start a new signal caller for the fifth-straight season?
As the rules currently stand, Aguilar is out of eligibility following the conclusion of this season. This would make the Music City Bowl, which he said he is not opting out of, the final game of his college career. However, Aguilar was revealed as a plaintiff in Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia’s lawsuit that seeks to abolish the NCAA’s current JUCO eligibility rules, according to Front Office Sports’ Amanda Christovich.
If Aguilar won this suit, it’d allow him to return for another season. He gave an update on where things stand on Tuesday afternoon when meeting with the media.
“Not much,” Aguilar said on if he has an update. “My answer is still my answer, just focus on the season and pursue what I want to pursue afterwards.”
More From RTI: What Tennessee LB Jeremiah Telander Said About Hiring of Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles
After a strong season with Tennessee, Aguilar may also have pro opportunities. He threw for 3,444 yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions after an abbreviated offseason to get integrated into the offense.
He was asked what the process looks like when weighing the decision of whether to come back if possible or begin his pro career. He deferred that choice until after the Music City Bowl, though.
“I guess I’ll figure that out after the bowl game,” Aguilar said.
The Music City Bowl will be played at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, the home of the NFL’s Tennessee Titans. Kickoff is scheduled for Dec. 30 at 5:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. CT and will air on ESPN.
