Joey Aguilar is now officially a Vols quarterback, saying “I’m ready to give my all for Tennessee.”
It seems like old news because his transfer from UCLA to UT football was reported on April 21, and anticipated before that.
But UT can now acknowledge Aguilar’s signing because his financial aid and scholarship papers have been processed. It’s just a formality, but it allows coach Josh Heupel to talk publicly about his new quarterback.
Aguilar signaled his official status on Tennessee’s roster with a social media post.
“First, I want to thank God for guiding me through this journey and opening doors I could not have imagined. I’m excited to announce that I’m officially committed to the University of Tennessee!” Aguilar posted on Instagram on April 29.
This journey hasn’t just been mine; it’s been shared with everyone who has supported me — thank you.”
Then Aguilar continued with a promise to UT fans.
“I’m looking forward to being a part of the traditions, the fans, and the legacy of winning at Tennessee,” Aguilar posted. “I’m ready to get to work, compete at the highest level and building 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.
Despite being enrolled at UCLA, Aguilar has been taking online classes at Appalachian State to earn his degree from there. UT hopes to have him on campus for workouts as early as late May.
Aguilar will compete with redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and freshman George MacIntyre for the starting quarterback position in the 2025 season.
Merklinger, a former four-star recruit, passed for 48 yards in two games as a freshman in 2024. He was the No. 11 quarterback in the 2024 class, according to 247Sports Composite rankings.
MacIntyre, a four-star recruit, signed with UT in the 2025 class and enrolled in January. The former Brentwood Academy standout was ranked the No. 13 quarterback in the 2025 class.
How Joey Aguilar swapped places with Nico Iamaleava
The Vols essentially landed Aguilar in a quarterback swap, although UT didn’t plan it that way.
Starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava transferred from UT to UCLA. He entered the transfer portal after leaving Tennessee over a dispute about NIL pay, although his representatives claim it was because of problems with the Vols offense.
Aguilar transferred from Appalachian State to UCLA in January. But once Iamaleava arrived at UCLA, Aguilar had to find a starting opportunity at another school.
Aguilar has one season of eligibility remaining because the NCAA granted a blanket waiver to junior college transfers for one additional year.
Joey Aguilar stats at Appalachian State before UCLA
Aguilar passed for 6,760 yards and 56 touchdowns in two seasons at Appalachian State. Before that, he passed for almost 3,000 yards and 21 TDs in two seasons at Diablo Valley Community College in Pleasant Hill, California.
Aguilar is experienced with 41 games played in college, including 24 starts at Appalachian State.
The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder is from Antioch, California. He did not receive a Division I scholarship offer out of high school. But he had a successful stint in junior college, which drew multiple FBS offers. He was in line to sign with Coastal Carolina, but a coaching change re-directed his recruitment to Appalachian State.
In 2023, Aguilar was the Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year and the Cure Bowl MVP after breaking multiple school records. He passed for 3,757 yards, 33 TDs and 10 interceptions. And he rushed for 249 yards and three TDs.
In 2024, Aguilar passed for 3,003 yards, 23 TDs and 14 interceptions. And he rushed for 207 yards and two TDs
