ESPN says Tennessee Vols made a 'strong push' for another QB before landing UCLA transfer Joey Aguilar
The Tennessee Vols officially landed a commitment from UCLA Bruins transfer quarterback Joey Aguilar on Tuesday. Aguilar left UCLA after the Bruins added former Vols quarterback Nico Iamaleava to the roster earlier this month. "I'm excited to announce that I'm officially committed to the University of Tennessee," wrote Aguilar in an Instagram post announcing his […]
The Tennessee Vols officially landed a commitment from UCLA Bruins transfer quarterback Joey Aguilar on Tuesday.
Aguilar left UCLA after the Bruins added former Vols quarterback Nico Iamaleava to the roster earlier this month.
"I'm excited to announce that I'm officially committed to the University of Tennessee," wrote Aguilar in an Instagram post announcing his decision. "This journey hasn't just been mine; it's been shared with everyone who has supported me – thank you.
"I'm looking forward to being a part of the traditions, the fans, and the legacy of winning at Tennessee. I'm ready to get to work, compete at the highest level and build something special with my teammates and coaches. I can't wait to get to Rocky Top! I'm ready to Give My All for Tennessee."
Before landing Aguilar, the Vols, according to ESPN's Heather Dinich, pursued a different Big 10 quarterback — Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer, a former Ole Miss quarterback who transferred to Illinois ahead of the 2023 season.
"The importance of Illinois retaining its starting quarterback after a strong spring push from Tennessee can't be understated…After public speculation he might transfer for his final year of eligibility, Altmyer announced in December he would return to the team," wrote Dinich this week. "He did it again in April, following the drama at Tennessee."
Altmyer was an option that many felt made sense for the Vols due to his one season of experience in Jeff Lebby's offense at Ole Miss (in 2021). Lebby previously served as Josh Heupel's offensive coordinator at UCF.
Maybe Altmyer makes a different decision if the Vols come calling in December. Transferring in April, however, would've been quite a risk for the Starkville native.
Aguilar was in a different position, knowing that he needed to transfer to truly have a shot to win a starting job.
Heupel confirmed on Tuesday at a Big Orange Caravan stop in Memphis that Tennessee will have an open quarterback competition this fall between Aguilar, redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger, and true freshman George MacIntyre.
