Tennessee Predicted to Name Former 33-TD Quarterback as New Starting QB

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Arnab Mondal | Last updated Jul 5, 2025 4:00 PM ET

Some things in college football change faster than your phone battery drops on game day. Just a few months ago, Joey Aguilar leaving UCLA seemed unthinkable. Now, he’s the name everyone in Knoxville can’t stop talking about.

According to Pete Nakos of On3.com , Tennessee is likely handing the keys of its offense to Aguilar, a record-setting quarterback from Appalachian State. The Volunteers suddenly needed a leader after Nico Iamaleava shocked the college football world by transferring to UCLA. That twist opened the door for Aguilar, who had quietly become one of the top quarterbacks in the Group of Five.

Aguilar didn’t just put up good numbers at Appalachian State. He rewrote the record books. In 2023, he threw for 3,757 yards and 33 touchdowns and racked up 4,002 total yards of offense, according to Sports Reference. Those numbers aren’t flukes, they’re the kind of stats that demand attention.

He also brings something Tennessee badly needs and that is experience. After Iamaleava left, the Vols' quarterback room lacked a steady hand. Sophomore Jake Merklinger and freshman George MacIntyre will battle for snaps, but Aguilar’s track record makes him the veteran Tennessee can lean on.

And there’s one more reason why Aguilar seems like the favorite. He knows Tino Sunseri’s system. The two built a strong connection during their time at UCLA. That familiarity gives Aguilar a serious edge as the Vols prep for the 2025 season.

Sure, the competition isn’t over yet. Fall camp will tell us more. But right now, it looks like Tennessee found its guy. Aguilar’s journey from Boone to Los Angeles to Knoxville wasn’t the plan. But sometimes, the best stories in college football aren’t planned at all.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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