Nico Iamaleava's transfer could create the most ironic option for Tennessee's starting quarterback in 2025

Why is Aguilar leaving town?  Well, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out. The move came just days after Iamaleava confirmed that he will indeed be transferring to UCLA after having been rumored to land there after his messy breakup with the Vols. 

Aguilar transferred to the Bruins after starting 25 games for App State over the last two seasons.  He completed 60.1% of his passes for 6760 yards with 56 touchdowns to 24 interceptions during his time in Boone. His best season came in 2023, with a 63.7% completion rate for 3757 yards and 33 touchdowns to 10 interceptions.  He's also proven to be adept with his legs, rushing for 452 yards and 5 scores over his two years with the Mountaineers. 

The irony of Nico forcing out the Vols' replacement is quite incredible if it was to happen, but it would be all-time fodder for Vol Twitter if it resulted in an improvement at the quarterback position as far as production in 2025. 

Tennessee, has just two scholarship quarterbacks at the moment in Jake Merklinger and true freshman George MacIntyre, both of whom could be legitimate options in 2025 for the Vols.  And Aguilar likely wouldn't be handed the job; he'd have to compete with the duo, who have the advantage of having a full spring in Knoxville. 

However, Aguilar brings a lot of experience and could help bridge the gap for one more year (which is all the eligibility he has left) until five-star QB Faizon Brandon shows up on campus. 

We'll see soon enough how this plays out, but it would be quite the turn of events for UT if they find a way to scoop up the now-former Bruin to replace Iamaleava in 2025.