After Tennessee football’s 2025 season concluded, reports came out that starting quarterback Joey Aguilar was dealing with a unique ailment. The Vols’ signal caller apparently developed a benign tumor and underwent surgery following the season to remove it.
However, the tumor was pushing on his biceps tendon and labrum, causing plenty of discomfort during the year. Despite the disadvantage, he kept things private and never missed a start in his lone year in Knoxville. To him, there was no other option with the opportunity he had.
“I found it early in the season,” Aguilar said at the NFL Scouting Combine. “If you’ve got one time to play at Tennessee, there’s no backing down. I just played through it. Put the team first and carried on through the season.”
Joey Aguilar: tough as nails⬇️🔊 pic.twitter.com/chRYbqYAjh
— Joey Petersen (@joeypetersen8) February 27, 2026
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Aguilar had his surgery on the morning of Jan. 2. At the time, it was reported that it’d be an eight-week rehab process. That puts him toward the end of the expected timeline right now.
However, at the NFL Scouting Combine, Aguilar said he’s early in his rehab. That’s why he won’t be throwing at the combine, but will return to throwing next week. It’s expected that he throws in front of NFL scouts at the team’s Pro Day at the end of March, as well.
“I had a benign tumor in my shoulder,” Aguilar said. “Just got it cleaned out. I’m early on my rehab right now, so I would’ve been throwing this week if I was obviously able to stay at Tennessee. Now that I’m here, I’ll move that to next week.”
This season, Aguilar produced 3,565 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also ran for four touchdowns and 101 yards. The Vols finished 8-5 (4-4 SEC) with a loss to Illinois in the Music City Bowl.
