In the dynamic world of college football, few stories are as compelling as that of Joey Aguilar, the Tennessee Volunteers’ newly acquired quarterback. Ranked as the No. 50 college football player for the 2025 season, Aguilar’s journey from a junior college standout to a record-setting quarterback at Appalachian State, and now to a prominent position at Tennessee, is a testament to his resilience, skill, and determination.
Born in Antioch, California, Aguilar’s path to college football was unconventional. Despite a stellar high school career at Freedom High School, where he amassed over 5,500 passing yards and 59 touchdowns, he went largely unrecognized by major college programs. Undeterred, he enrolled at Diablo Valley College, a junior college in Northern California. There, he showcased his talents, throwing for nearly 3,000 yards and 21 touchdowns, while also demonstrating mobility with over 600 rushing yards and two touchdowns. His performance earned him recognition as a three-star recruit and paved the way for his transfer to Appalachian State.(t season, he set school records with 3,757 passing yards, 33 touchdown passes, and 4,002 total yards of offense. His impressive statistics earned him the Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year award and a spot on the All-Sun Belt Second Team. He continued to build on this success in his second season, solidifying his reputation as one of the top quarterbacks in the Group of Five conferences.
Aguilar’s performance caught the attention of larger programs, leading to his transfer to UCLA in December 2024. Initially, he was poised to be the starting quarterback for the Bruins. However, a series of events led to a significant shift. UCLA’s acquisition of Nico Iamaleava from Tennessee, coupled with Iamaleava’s reported demands for a substantial NIL deal, created a ripple effect in the quarterback landscape. Aguilar, who had been participating in spring practices with UCLA, found himself in a position to transfer once again
In April 2025, just hours after entering the transfer portal, Aguilar committed to Tennessee. This move was part of a broader quarterback exchange, with Iamaleava heading to UCLA. Aguilar’s decision to join the Volunteers was influenced by the opportunity to play in the Southeastern Conference and the competitive environment it offers. Additionally, his NIL deal with Tennessee was reported to be valued at approximately $1.2 million, aligning with the remaining value of his previous agreement with UCLA
At Tennessee, Aguilar steps into a program with a rich football history and high expectations. The Volunteers are coming off a 10-3 season and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024, led by quarterback Nico Iamaleava. With Iamaleava’s departure, Aguilar inherits a team eager to continue its success. His experience and proven track record position him as a key figure in Tennessee’s quest for another successful season.
Aguilar’s journey reflects the evolving landscape of college football, where player movement and opportunities are influenced by a combination of performance, potential, and external factors such as NIL deals. His rise from a junior college to the pinnacle of college football is a narrative that resonates with many aspiring athletes. As he dons the Tennessee orange, all eyes will be on Joey Aguilar to see if he can lead the Volunteers to new heights and further solidify his place among the elite quarterbacks in college footbal
