Tennessee may have the perfect answer to their quarterback problem in 2026
The Vols’ incumbent signal caller could be looking to have an extended stay in Knoxville.
Some fans of the Tennessee Volunteers have been enjoying the resurgence of the Big Orange’s offense this season with Joey Aguilar at the helm. Many have wished that the senior had one more season on Rocky Top.
Sometimes wishes do come true, and one might not be out of the realm of possibility.
According to sports business reporter Amanda Christovich of Front Office Sports, Aguilar has joined an amended complaint filed by Diego Pavia seeking to strike down the NCAA’s rules on eligibility relating to JUCO attendance.
Per Front Office Sports, Joey Aguilar is joining Diego Pavia’s lawsuit to strike down NCAA rules on junior college eligibility
Aguilar started off his career at junior college, as he spent his first two seasons with Diablo Valley Community College in California. From there, he headed to Boone, NC, and served as Appalachian State’s starter from 2023-24 before coming to Knoxville this offseason via UCLA as part of what was basically a trade between the schools involving former Tennessee starter Nico Iamaleava.
Aguilar has helped ignite the Vols’ passing attack this season, as he leads the SEC in passing yards (2941), passing touchdowns (tied for first with 22), and yards per attempt (9.2). The big play has been prevalent again, and Tennessee’s talented trio of Chris Brazzell II, Mike Matthews, and Braylon Staley is answering plenty of offseason questions about their ability to carry the load this year.
While the Vols have five-star QB Faizon Brandon coming in and Jake Merklinger and George MacIntyre in the fold for 2026, having Aguilar back for one more season would help carry that productivity over for another season with the hopes that Josh Heupel and Tim Banks could repair what’s been an underwhelming defensive unit in 2025.
There’s obviously nothing guaranteed, as Aguilar’s return would depend on the outcome of litigation (which is always uncertain and can often be protracted), but if Aguilar and Pavia prevail, Tennessee’s offense could roll into 2026 with a lot of momentum and promise.
Tennessee Volunteers News
Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Vols pick up a big win in Georgia on their way to Florida
The Vols got some good news to start off a big weekend.
