Tennessee has settled its quarterback situation, and senior Joey Aguilar will take the first snap when the Volunteers open the 2025 season against Syracuse on August 30.
Veteran quarterback wins competition ahead of season opener
Aguilar’s journey to Knoxville has been anything but routine. He started at Appalachian State, where he produced over 3,000 passing yards last season along with 23 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
In the winter, he transferred to UCLA with the expectation of running the Bruins’ offense. That plan changed when UCLA landed Nico Iamaleava, who had just left Tennessee. Aguilar then flipped to the Volunteers in April, effectively making the situation a rare quarterback swap between two high-profile programs.
Head coach Josh Heupel praised Aguilar for quickly learning the offense and showing poise in camp. “He’s handled himself extremely well,” Heupel said. “You can see the comfort he has in command of what we’re doing.” That composure and his previous starting experience allowed Aguilar to edge out redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger, who was also in the mix.
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The Vols’ offense should look familiar to Aguilar, who thrived in a spread system at Appalachian State. Tennessee will expect him to protect the football better than he did a season ago while still maintaining the aggressive downfield passing that has become a staple under Heupel. Aguilar’s arm strength and leadership give the Volunteers stability after an offseason of uncertainty.
Start of the 2025 season
Tennessee begins the year against Syracuse in a matchup that will put Aguilar immediately in the spotlight. The Orange, coming off a rebuild, will test his ability to keep drives alive against a defense looking to force mistakes. The Vols then face a rugged early schedule in the SEC, meaning Aguilar has little time to settle in before conference play ramps up.
For Tennessee, the decision offers clarity and direction heading into a season filled with expectations. The Vols believe Aguilar’s experience can help them stay competitive in a league that is once again loaded with talent under center.
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