**Miles Kitselman Shares Candid Thoughts on Joey Aguilar’s Decision to Transfer to Tennessee Volunteers**
The college football world was buzzing when news broke that quarterback Joey Aguilar had decided to transfer to the Tennessee Volunteers. The move, which came after a standout season at his previous school, has sparked conversations about what this means for Aguilar’s future, Tennessee’s offense, and the broader landscape of the SEC. Among those weighing in is Miles Kitselman, Aguilar’s former teammate and current tight end for the Volunteers, who shared his unfiltered thoughts on the quarterback’s arrival in Knoxville.
Kitselman, who has been with the Volunteers since transferring himself, knows firsthand what it takes to adapt to a new program, especially in the high-stakes environment of the SEC. When asked about Aguilar’s decision, he didn’t hold back. “Joey’s a baller, plain and simple,” Kitselman said. “I’ve seen what he can do up close, and Tennessee is getting a guy who can sling it, make plays with his legs, and most importantly, lead. He’s the kind of player who elevates everyone around him.”
Aguilar’s journey to Tennessee has been anything but linear. After a breakout season where he threw for over 3,700 yards and 33 touchdowns, he entered the transfer portal as one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the country. Several top programs were in the mix, but Aguilar ultimately chose Tennessee, a decision that Kitselman believes was the right one. “This offense fits him perfectly,” Kitselman explained. “We’ve got speed, we’ve got playmakers, and now we’ve got a quarterback who can distribute the ball and keep defenses honest. Joey’s going to thrive here.”
One of the biggest questions surrounding Aguilar’s transfer is how quickly he can adjust to a new system. The SEC is a different beast, with faster defenses and more complex schemes than many other conferences. Kitselman, however, isn’t worried. “Joey’s a student of the game,” he said. “He’s not just talented; he’s smart. He picks up offenses fast, and he’s got that competitive edge where he wants to be the best. I’ve seen him in the film room, I’ve seen him grinding after practice—he’s going to put in the work to be ready.”
Chemistry will also be key. Aguilar is stepping into a locker room with established leaders, including Kitselman, who has already taken it upon himself to help his new teammate settle in. “We’ve been throwing together, talking through plays, just building that connection,” Kitselman revealed. “The sooner we’re all on the same page, the scarier this offense is going to be. Joey’s already meshing well with the guys, and that’s huge.”
Of course, no major transfer comes without its skeptics. Some have questioned whether Aguilar’s success at his previous school will translate to the SEC, where the competition is fiercer and the margin for error is slimmer. Kitselman brushed off those doubts. “People said the same thing about me when I transferred,” he said with a laugh. “The SEC is the best conference in college football, no doubt, but great players rise to the occasion. Joey’s got the arm talent, the poise, and the toughness to excel here. I wouldn’t bet against him.”
Another factor in Aguilar’s decision was Tennessee’s coaching staff, particularly head coach Josh Heupel and offensive coordinator Joey Halzle. Known for their high-tempo, quarterback-friendly system, they’ve developed some of the most explosive offenses in the country. Kitselman praised their ability to adapt to their players’ strengths. “Coach Heupel and Coach Halzle know how to put guys in positions to succeed,” he said. “They’re not going to force Joey into a box; they’re going to let him play to his strengths. And when you’ve got a guy like Joey who can make all the throws and extend plays, that’s dangerous.”
The addition of Aguilar also raises interesting questions about Tennessee’s quarterback room. The Volunteers already have talented signal-callers on the roster, and competition will be fierce. Kitselman sees that as a positive. “Competition brings out the best in everyone,” he said. “It’s not just about who starts; it’s about pushing each other to be better every day. Joey’s presence is going to raise the level of play for everyone in that room, and that’s good for the team.”
Beyond the X’s and O’s, Kitselman emphasized the intangible qualities Aguilar brings to the program. “He’s a leader,” he said. “You can’t fake that. When he steps in the huddle, guys listen. He’s got that ‘it’ factor where people just believe in him. That’s something you can’t coach, and Tennessee is lucky to have him.”
As for how fans should feel about the transfer, Kitselman’s message was clear: “Get excited. Joey’s the real deal. He’s here to win, and he’s here to compete at the highest level. I’ve seen what he can do, and when he gets rolling in this offense, it’s going to be special.”
Looking ahead, the expectations for Tennessee’s offense are sky-high. With Aguilar under center, a deep group of receivers, and a dynamic tight end like Kitselman, the Volunteers have the potential to be one of the most explosive units in the country. Kitselman acknowledged the pressure but embraced it. “We know what’s expected,” he said. “But that’s why we came here—to play in big games, to compete for championships. Joey’s going to be a big part of that, and I can’t wait to see what we do together.”
In the ever-changing world of college football, where the transfer portal has reshaped rosters overnight, moves like Aguilar’s can define a program’s trajectory. For Tennessee, this feels like a pivotal moment. And if Miles Kitselman’s candid thoughts are any indication, Joey Aguilar is ready to make it count.
“He’s not just coming here to be good,” Kitselman said. “He’s coming here to be great. And when Joey’s great, Tennessee’s great. That’s the goal.”
With the season on the horizon, all eyes will be on Knoxville to see if Aguilar can live up to the hype. But if you ask his teammates, there’s no doubt he will.
