Joey Aguilar of the Tennessee Volunteers is one of the top 25 quarterbacks for the 2025 campaign.

The transfer portal era of college football has once again brought a significant quarterback into a prominent position, and for the Tennessee Volunteers, that quarterback is Joey Aguilar. After a somewhat circuitous route that involved a stint at UCLA following his successful career at Appalachian State, Aguilar has landed in Knoxville and is now being widely discussed as one of the top 25 quarterbacks in the nation for the upcoming 2025 campaign.

This placement is particularly noteworthy given that Aguilar has yet to play a single down for the Volunteers. However, the confidence from analysts stems from his proven production at the FBS level and the understanding that he’s stepping into Josh Heupel’s notoriously high-powered, quarterback-friendly offense.

Aguilar’s Journey to Knoxville

Joey Aguilar’s path to an SEC spotlight has been anything but conventional. He began his collegiate career at Diablo Valley Community College, where he honed his skills for two seasons before transferring to Appalachian State. At App State, Aguilar truly broke out, especially in the 2023 season. He became a significant offensive force, demonstrating a strong arm, good decision-making, and the ability to extend plays with his legs.

In two seasons at Appalachian State, Aguilar accumulated impressive statistics, including over 6,700 passing yards and 56 touchdowns. His 2023 performance, in particular, saw him complete 64% of his passes for 3,757 yards, 33 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, earning him Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year honors. This production caught the attention of Power Four programs, leading to his initial transfer to UCLA for the 2025 season.

However, the volatile nature of the transfer portal saw another significant move unfold: Nico Iamaleava’s departure from Tennessee created an unexpected opening. This “quarterback swap” between UCLA and Tennessee ultimately landed Aguilar in Knoxville, a move that has been widely lauded as a win for the Volunteers.

Why the Top 25 Hype?

Several factors contribute to Aguilar’s rapid ascension into the top 25 quarterback discussions:

1. Proven FBS Production: Unlike many quarterbacks who transfer up to a Power Four conference with limited experience, Aguilar has a substantial body of work at the FBS level. His numbers at Appalachian State were not simply good for a Group of Five quarterback; they were elite, showcasing his ability to lead an efficient and explosive offense. This on-field experience provides a solid foundation.

2. Fit in Josh Heupel’s Offense: This is arguably the most significant factor. Josh Heupel’s offensive system at Tennessee is renowned for its up-tempo pace, vertical passing game, and quarterback-friendly reads. Heupel’s scheme consistently produces high-flying statistics for his quarterbacks, from Hendon Hooker to Joe Milton III, and even Nico Iamaleava in limited action. Aguilar’s ability to throw accurately on the run, make quick decisions, and push the ball downfield aligns perfectly with Heupel’s philosophy. Many analysts believe Aguilar’s skill set is an ideal match for this system, potentially unlocking his highest potential.

3. Surrounding Talent at Tennessee: Aguilar isn’t walking into an empty cupboard. While the wide receiver room will feature some new faces, Tennessee consistently attracts high-level talent. The offensive line should provide adequate protection, and the running game under Heupel’s system is always a threat. This supporting cast mitigates some of the pressure on Aguilar and allows him to operate within a well-oiled machine.

4. Veteran Presence in QB Room: While he hasn’t started for Tennessee, Aguilar brings invaluable experience to a quarterback room that also includes talented but less experienced players like redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and true freshman George MacIntyre. His veteran presence could be crucial in guiding the offense, especially early in the season.

Challenges and Competition

Despite the optimism, Aguilar’s position isn’t without its challenges.

1. SEC Jump: The jump from the Sun Belt to the SEC is significant. The speed of the game, the caliber of defensive linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs, and the overall physicality of SEC defenses are on a different level. While Aguilar has shown he can produce at the FBS level, adapting to the relentless pressure and tighter throwing windows of the SEC will be his biggest test.

2. Internal Competition: While Aguilar is widely considered the favorite to win the starting job, he will still need to earn it. Jake Merklinger and George MacIntyre are both highly touted prospects with significant long-term potential. While they lack Aguilar’s immediate FBS experience, they will push him in practice and spring/fall camp. A strong competition could elevate all involved, but it also means Aguilar can’t afford to be complacent.

3. Managing Expectations: The “top 25 quarterback” label brings with it a certain level of expectation from fans and media. Navigating this pressure while integrating into a new system and proving himself in a new conference will be a mental challenge.

Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season

Tennessee’s 2025 season opens on Saturday, August 30th, in Atlanta against the Syracuse Orange. This game will provide the first real glimpse of Aguilar in a Volunteers uniform and his potential impact on the season. The schedule for the Volunteers will feature tough SEC matchups, and Aguilar’s ability to perform consistently in those high-stakes games will ultimately determine if he lives up to his top-25 billing.

For the Tennessee Volunteers, Joey Aguilar represents a proven commodity stepping into an ideal situation. His experience, coupled with Heupel’s offensive scheme and the talent surrounding him, provides a strong foundation for success. If he can seamlessly transition to the SEC’s demands and win the starting job, Aguilar has the potential not only to live up to his top-25 ranking but also to elevate the Volunteers into contention in a competitive SEC. His story is a prime example of how the transfer portal can instantly reshape a team’s outlook, and for Tennessee, it appears to be a very favorable development.