‘I think everybody needs to understand that’ – Vols insider drops important reminder about Joey Aguilar’s situation at Tennessee

The Tennessee Vols are waiting to find out whether Joey Aguilar will return to Rocky Top in 2026.

Zach Ragan — Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

For most of the offseason, there has been little optimism that quarterback Joey Aguilar would receive an additional season of eligibility and return to the Tennessee Vols for the 2026 season.

That changed this week, however, when Aguilar won a temporary restraining order against the NCAA’s junior college eligibility rules.

The TRO is just the first step for Aguilar. A hearing for a preliminary injunction has been set for Feb. 13 in Knox County.

After winning the TRO, there’s optimism that Aguilar will win the preliminary injunction.

But while winning the preliminary injunction is a necessary step for Aguilar to return to Tennessee in 2026, a Feb. 13 win won’t necessarily mean the saga is over.

Vols insider provides important reminder about Joey Aguilar’s situation

VolQuest’s Brent Hubbs joined 104.5 The Zone’s Ramon and Will Friday for his weekly appearance.

Hubbs broke down the next steps in Aguilar’s fight for another season of eligibility and reminded fans that there’s still a long way to go before Tennessee knows for sure whether the California native will return in 2026.

“What Joey Aguilar and his team are trying to do is they’re trying to get an injunction on Friday (Feb. 13),” explained Hubbs. “The judge does not have to rule on Friday. He can rule that day, or he can wait and rule in the coming days or in the coming weeks. But he is trying to get an injunction against the NCAA, which would pave the path for him to be eligible. Now, just because you win the injunction doesn’t mean that the NCAA is not going to fight you, and you’re not going to have more days in court. But the next step in Joey Aguilar’s quest to play football next fall at the University of Tennessee resides in him winning the injunction.

“I think Tennessee’s always said, ‘Hey, if it works out, than we’d certainly welcome Joey Aguilar back,’” continued Hubbs. “We’re still a long ways from that working out. I think everybody needs to understand that even if you get a favorable ruling next Friday, don’t just count your chickens and say, ‘Hey, it’s done.’ And if I’m (redshirt freshman QB) George MacIntyre, man, I am trying my best to focus myself on, ‘I’m going to be the starter in August, and I’ve got to go get it. I’ve got to go get it mentally. I’ve got to go get it physically. I’ve got to do everything I need to do, and I’m going to put my best foot out there, and I’m going to win this job in August.’

“And that has to be his singular mindset as a competitor. If you’re not that way, then you’re gonna have a hard time being a college quarterback at any level, for anybody. You have to be singular-minded in your focus that I’m the best guy, I’m gonna go win this job.”

It certainly feels like it’s trending toward Aguilar returning in 2026. But as Hubbs pointed out, nothing is a given in this era of college football. That’s why the advice Hubbs offered to MacIntyre is sound — the Tennessee native could still end up being the guy this fall for the Volunteers.

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