The Tennessee Volunteers are gearing up for the season as fall camp enters its second week. The quarterback room remains in flux, with the starting job still up for grabs after Nico Iamaleava unexpectedly transferred during the spring portal window. UCLA transfer Joey Aguilar was viewed as a perfect fit for the Vols.
“Aguilar fits what Tennessee is looking for, a proven starter with one year to play. He passed for 6,760 yards and 56 TDs last two years at App. State. Also a very capable runner. Heupel and Vols definitely looking for another QB,” ESPN’s Chris Low wrote.
Aguilar may even prove to be a better option than Iamaleava, especially if he produces similar statistical output.
“While overall records aren't always attributed to quarterback play, there is one statistic in particular that could deviate Aguilar and Iamaleava's seasons. Should he throw for 3,000 yards and 20 or more touchdowns this season, Aguilar's 2025 season would statistically be better than Iamaleava's. The quarterback surpassed this mark in each of his two seasons at Appalachian State,” Sports Illustrated’s Christian Kirby wrote.
Aguilar is known for his scrambling ability and could bring a new dynamic to Tennessee’s offense. However, not everyone is sold on how well he’ll fit into Josh Heupel’s system. ESPN analyst Greg McElroy shared his concerns.
“What concerns me is their quarterback, and this is not an indictment on Joey Aguilar… He’s got to learn a new scheme, and this is a scheme that does require some rep equity that you have to be on the same page with your wide receivers,” McElroy said. “There’s a lot of reading. There’s a lot of reacting to what the defense does, and Josh Heupel can simplify things, but it’s going to be up to Joey Aguilar to have a great grasp, and he’s not going to have a lot of time to learn it. So that remains a concern for me.”
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McElroy’s concern is valid. Aguilar only arrived in Knoxville in May and now has just three months to fully grasp a complex playbook. While he has enjoyed back-to-back successful seasons as a starter, adjusting to Heupel’s fast-paced offense on short notice could prove challenging. Aguilar has made strides off the field, working hard to build chemistry with his teammates, but ultimately, it will come down to how quickly he can absorb the system before the season opener.