**Miles Kitselman Shares Candid Thoughts on Joey Aguilar’s Decision to Transfer to Tennessee Volunteers**
The college football landscape is ever-evolving, with player transfers becoming as much a part of the game as touchdowns and tailgates. One of the most talked-about moves this offseason has been quarterback Joey Aguilar’s decision to transfer from Appalachian State to the Tennessee Volunteers. The news sent shockwaves through both fan bases, sparking debates about what this means for both programs. But perhaps no one has a more unique perspective on the situation than Miles Kitselman, Tennessee’s tight end, who recently shared his candid thoughts on Aguilar’s arrival in Knoxville.
Kitselman, a key piece of the Volunteers’ offense, has seen his fair share of roster changes during his time with the program. When asked about Aguilar’s transfer, he didn’t hold back. “Joey’s a baller, plain and simple,” Kitselman said. “When I heard he was coming here, my first thought was, ‘Okay, our QB room just got even more dangerous.’”
Aguilar’s resume speaks for itself. At Appalachian State, he showcased a blend of arm talent, mobility, and poise under pressure, traits that should translate well in Josh Heupel’s high-octane offense. Kitselman acknowledged that while the Volunteers already have talent at quarterback, competition breeds excellence. “You want guys who push each other every single day,” he explained. “Joey’s the type of player who doesn’t shy away from that. He’s coming in to compete, and that’s only going to make all of us better.”
The dynamics of a locker room can shift dramatically with the arrival of a new quarterback, especially one with Aguilar’s pedigree. Kitselman, however, doesn’t foresee any issues. “The great thing about our team is that everyone buys into the culture Coach Heupel has built,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a five-star recruit or a transfer—if you’re willing to work and help this team win, you’ll be embraced.”
One of the most intriguing aspects of Aguilar’s transfer is how quickly he’ll adapt to Tennessee’s system. The Volunteers’ offense is known for its tempo, requiring quarterbacks to make rapid decisions and deliver the ball with precision. Kitselman believes Aguilar’s skill set is a natural fit. “He’s got a quick release, he’s accurate, and he can extend plays when things break down,” Kitselman noted. “Those are the kinds of things that thrive in our scheme. Once he gets the playbook down, he’s going to be a problem for defenses.”
Of course, transitioning to a new program isn’t without its challenges. Aguilar will have to build chemistry with his receivers, learn the intricacies of the offense, and adjust to the heightened expectations that come with playing in the SEC. Kitselman, though, is confident that Aguilar will rise to the occasion. “The best players don’t just have talent—they have that mental toughness to handle adversity,” he said. “From what I’ve seen, Joey’s got that. He’s not the type to get rattled.”
The conversation then shifted to how Aguilar’s arrival impacts the Volunteers’ outlook for the upcoming season. Tennessee is coming off a strong campaign, and with key pieces returning, expectations are high. Kitselman believes Aguilar adds another layer of depth to an already potent offense. “In this league, you can never have too many playmakers,” he said. “Whether Joey ends up starting or pushing the other guys to be better, his presence is a win for us.”
Kitselman also touched on the broader implications of Aguilar’s transfer, particularly in the context of the modern college football era. With the transfer portal more active than ever, programs are constantly reshuffling their rosters in search of the right pieces. “It’s a different game now,” Kitselman admitted. “Guys have more freedom to find the best situation for themselves, and as players, we respect that. At the end of the day, you want to be somewhere you can succeed, and I think Joey saw that opportunity here.”
When asked if he had any advice for Aguilar as he begins this new chapter, Kitselman kept it simple: “Be yourself. Work hard, stay humble, and enjoy the process. Knoxville is a special place, and the fans are going to love him if he goes out there and competes the way we know he can.”
As the interview wrapped up, Kitselman reflected on what makes Tennessee such an attractive destination for transfers like Aguilar. “It’s the culture,” he emphasized. “From the coaching staff to the players to the fans, everyone is all in. When you have that kind of support, it brings out the best in you. I think Joey’s going to thrive here.”
Only time will tell how Aguilar’s tenure with the Volunteers unfolds, but if Miles Kitselman’s words are any indication, Tennessee just got a whole lot more dangerous. In a sport where the margin between victory and defeat is razor-thin, adding a player of Aguilar’s caliber could be the difference-maker the Volunteers need to take the next step.
For now, all eyes will be on how quickly Aguilar can acclimate to his new surroundings. But if his new teammates’ enthusiasm is any indication, the future is bright in Knoxville. As Kitselman put it, “Joey’s got everything it takes to succeed here. Now it’s just about putting in the work and letting it all play out.”
And with that, the countdown to the season just got a little more exciting.
