Tennessee’s 2025 football schedule could benefit QB Joey Aguilar by easing him into SEC play with early non-conference matchups.

When Joey Aguilar transferred to Tennessee from Appalachian State following the 2024 season, he knew he was stepping into a spotlight brighter than anything he’d experienced before. The jump from Sun Belt competition to the Southeastern Conference is massive for any player, but especially for a quarterback expected to lead one of college football’s most passionate programs. Fortunately for Aguilar and the Vols, Tennessee’s 2025 schedule might be the perfect transition path to set him up for success.

Aguilar, who passed for over 3,500 yards and 35 touchdowns at App State, brings experience, mobility, and poise to a Tennessee offense that has steadily evolved under head coach Josh Heupel. And while replacing a multi-year SEC starter is never easy, the Vols’ 2025 slate may give Aguilar the runway he needs to find his footing before the toughest tests arrive.

Early Non-Conference Opportunities to Build Confidence

Tennessee’s 2025 season opens with a trio of non-conference games: against Kent State, at Charlotte, and home against UTEP. While these matchups may not offer the level of competition Aguilar will face later in the year, they are critical to his development in orange and white.

For a quarterback adjusting to new terminology, faster defenses, and more complex coverages, game reps are invaluable. Aguilar will get the chance to test his timing with receivers, improve chemistry with his offensive line, and command Heupel’s up-tempo offense in real time—without the immediate pressure of facing an elite SEC defense.

“In games like those, Joey can focus on execution and rhythm,” said former Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge. “It’s about seeing the field, making quick decisions, and getting comfortable. You’d rather iron out those details before you face Alabama.”

These early matchups will also help offensive coordinator Joey Halzle tailor play-calling to Aguilar’s strengths. While he operated primarily out of the spread at App State, Tennessee’s system emphasizes tempo, vertical shots, and RPO reads. The non-conference slate offers a lower-stakes environment to identify which packages Aguilar excels in.

A Balanced SEC On-Ramp

Following the early non-conference slate, Tennessee opens SEC play with a home game against South Carolina. The Gamecocks are in a rebuilding phase under Shane Beamer and will likely have a young roster. It’s a manageable first conference test that still presents enough talent to challenge Aguilar’s pocket awareness and decision-making.

The Vols then face Arkansas in Fayetteville—a road game, but against a team also adjusting to changes under a new coaching staff. Aguilar won’t have the luxury of easing through conference play, but these two opening SEC games are far less daunting than opening with Georgia or LSU.

By the time Tennessee travels to play Oklahoma in mid-October, Aguilar will have five or six starts under his belt. That experience will be crucial as he prepares for the Sooners’ aggressive defense in a raucous environment.

Offensive Line and Skill Talent Will Aid His Transition

It’s not just the schedule that could benefit Aguilar—it’s the roster around him.

Tennessee returns a veteran offensive line with at least three starters who have multiple years of SEC experience. Protecting a first-year SEC quarterback is always a top priority, and Aguilar should benefit from the leadership and communication of the group up front.

The Vols also boast a deep backfield, headlined by sophomore sensation Peyton Lewis and bruising runner Cam Seldon. Establishing a consistent ground game will ease the burden on Aguilar, especially in hostile SEC environments where controlling the tempo is key.

At receiver, the Vols return breakout wideout Nathan Leacock, who emerged in 2024 as a reliable deep threat, and sophomore phenom Braylon Staley, a dynamic playmaker who can turn short catches into big gains. Aguilar won’t need to be perfect—he’ll just need to get the ball in the hands of his playmakers.

“Tennessee has built this offense to support the quarterback, not make him do everything,” said SEC Network analyst Jordan Rodgers. “Joey has the arm and the smarts. If he stays efficient, this team can move the ball on anyone.”

Toughest Tests Come Late

Another reason Tennessee’s schedule sets up well for Aguilar: the most difficult games come later in the season, giving him more time to acclimate.

The Vols face Alabama in Week 9 in Tuscaloosa—a brutal challenge, no doubt, but one that arrives after seven games of seasoning. Then, after a manageable matchup against Vanderbilt, Tennessee closes with Georgia at home in late November.

By that point, Aguilar will have developed a full-season rhythm. He’ll have seen multiple blitz packages, navigated SEC pressure situations, and hopefully minimized turnovers through smart decision-making. It’s unlikely he’ll be overwhelmed by the stage—especially at Neyland Stadium, where over 100,000 fans will have his back.

“It’s all about progression,” Ainge said. “You don’t want your new quarterback walking into Alabama or Georgia as his first or second start. Tennessee’s schedule gives Joey the time to grow into the role.”

Leadership and Locker Room Chemistry

Aguilar’s transition to Tennessee hasn’t just been about football. Since arriving on campus, he’s earned respect from teammates by working behind the scenes—staying late for film, asking questions in meetings, and learning the names of every player in the locker room.

“Joey’s one of those guys who leads by example,” said senior center Cooper Mays. “He didn’t come in acting like he had all the answers. He came in ready to learn and win guys over the right way.”

Team chemistry is often overlooked in quarterback transitions, but it can be the difference between a productive offense and one plagued by miscommunications. The Vols have prioritized building a culture of trust and discipline under Heupel, and Aguilar appears to be the right fit.

“That’s what impressed us about Joey during the portal process,” Heupel said in March. “He’s mature, he’s a competitor, and he’s focused on doing things the right way.”

What Success Looks Like in 2025

With a balanced schedule, a veteran supporting cast, and one of the most quarterback-friendly systems in college football, Joey Aguilar is positioned to succeed in 2025. But what will success actually look like?

Statistically, Aguilar could finish the year with 3,000+ passing yards, 25–30 touchdowns, and a completion rate near 65%. More importantly, Tennessee will look for poise in key moments—converting third downs, managing red-zone possessions, and limiting turnovers in tight games.

If Aguilar leads the Vols to nine or more wins, including a signature SEC victory, his one-year stint in Knoxville could elevate both his draft stock and Tennessee’s national profile.

“I think he’s got the tools to be a difference-maker,” Rodgers said. “He’s not Hendon Hooker, but he doesn’t have to be. If he stays efficient and makes smart plays, Tennessee will be in every game.”

Long-Term Impact

Aguilar’s role in 2025 could also shape Tennessee’s quarterback room for years to come. With five-star freshman Jake Merklinger waiting in the wings, the Vols aren’t lacking future talent at the position. But giving Merklinger a full year to develop behind a seasoned veteran is a luxury not many SEC programs can afford.

If Aguilar performs well, Tennessee can allow Merklinger to redshirt and learn without being thrust into the fire. That’s a win-win for the program: stability now, and a smooth transition for the future.