Miles Kitselman Shares Candid Thoughts on Joey Aguilar’s Decision to Transfer to Tennessee Volunteers.

In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, player movement through the transfer portal has become commonplace, reshaping team dynamics and altering program trajectories. One of the notable recent transfers is quarterback Joey Aguilar’s decision to join the Tennessee Volunteers. Among those closely observing and directly impacted by this move is Tennessee tight end Miles Kitselman. Known for his leadership and candid communication, Kitselman has shared insightful and heartfelt thoughts on Aguilar’s transfer, offering a glimpse into how the Volunteers are adapting to this significant change.

The Context Behind Joey Aguilar’s Transfer

Joey Aguilar’s journey to Tennessee has been marked by resilience and strategic decision-making. Originally committing to Appalachian State, Aguilar transferred to UCLA, seeking to carve out a greater opportunity at the quarterback position. However, the arrival of Nico Iamaleava at UCLA created a quarterback logjam, prompting Aguilar to enter the transfer portal once again. Tennessee, recognizing his potential and experience, welcomed Aguilar as a promising addition to its quarterback competition.

Aguilar’s transfer coincides with a pivotal moment for the Volunteers, who are rebuilding and positioning themselves for future success under head coach Josh Heupel. The quarterback position, critical for any offense, was wide open, and Aguilar’s arrival adds a new dimension to the room’s competitiveness and depth.

Kitselman’s Personal Connection with Aguilar

Miles Kitselman has emerged as not just a key player on Tennessee’s roster but also a central figure in team culture and camaraderie. Reflecting on Aguilar’s arrival, Kitselman expressed genuine enthusiasm about the new teammate, emphasizing the quick bond they established.

“Whenever he first committed, I hit him up on Instagram and said, ‘Man, love to have you. Let’s go out and get a bite to eat and let’s get to know each other,’” Kitselman recalled. This simple gesture laid the foundation for a strong relationship that would help Aguilar integrate seamlessly into the Volunteers’ locker room.

Kitselman described Aguilar as possessing an outgoing personality, someone who fits naturally into the team’s culture. “He gets along with everybody,” Kitselman said. “Him and Jake and George, they all thrive together. They all compete with each other. And I don’t think we could have asked for a better dude.”

This sense of belonging and team unity is crucial in college football, especially with new players coming in through the portal. Kitselman’s comments highlight how Aguilar’s character and demeanor are already positively impacting the locker room atmosphere.

The Impact on Tennessee’s Quarterback Room

Aguilar’s arrival introduces a dynamic and experienced presence in Tennessee’s quarterback room. The Volunteers are now fortunate to have three quarterbacks competing for the starting role: Aguilar, Jake Merklinger, and George MacIntyre. This competition is expected to drive all three players to elevate their games.

Kitselman believes this quarterback competition will benefit the entire offense. “When you have guys pushing each other every day, it just makes everyone better,” he noted. “Joey brings a different style, a different energy, and that kind of competition helps us all prepare.”

Aguilar’s experience, having played at multiple programs and faced diverse defensive schemes, brings valuable knowledge to Tennessee. Kitselman highlighted that Aguilar’s ability to learn quickly and adapt to new systems is a significant asset for the Volunteers.

Team Chemistry and Culture

Beyond the technical and strategic aspects, Kitselman stressed the importance of chemistry and culture within the team. He pointed out that Aguilar’s personality meshes well with the existing roster and coaching staff, reinforcing Tennessee’s family-like environment.

“In this program, it’s not just about talent,” Kitselman explained. “It’s about trust, respect, and how you carry yourself on and off the field. Joey fits that mold perfectly.”

This alignment in values is crucial for maintaining a positive locker room environment, especially when navigating the challenges of competition, injuries, and the pressures of a high-stakes SEC season.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While Aguilar’s transfer brings excitement, Kitselman also acknowledged the challenges the team faces as it integrates new players and aims for success in a highly competitive conference.

“The SEC is tough, no doubt about it,” Kitselman said. “We have to be at our best every single week. Bringing Joey in adds depth, but it also means we have to keep pushing ourselves to be better.”

Kitselman emphasized that the ultimate goal is not individual glory but team success. “At the end of the day, it’s about winning games and representing Tennessee the right way. Joey’s addition helps us toward that goal.”

The Role of Leadership

As a veteran on the roster, Kitselman sees part of his role as helping new players like Aguilar adjust quickly and feel welcomed. He believes leadership is about more than just performance—it’s about fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated.

“We want every guy here to know they belong,” Kitselman said. “Joey’s transition has been smooth because we’ve got a group that supports each other.”

He also noted the coaching staff’s role in managing the quarterback competition and ensuring each player receives the guidance needed to succeed.

Broader Implications of Transfer Portal Moves

Kitselman’s reflections on Aguilar’s transfer also touch on a broader reality of modern college football—the transfer portal’s growing influence. While transfers can disrupt team continuity, they also offer opportunities for programs to find talent and fill gaps quickly.

“In some ways, it’s a new era,” Kitselman acknowledged. “Players have more control over their futures, and as teammates, we have to embrace that.”

He expressed optimism that Tennessee’s culture will help retain players and attract others who want to be part of a winning and supportive environment.

Final Thoughts from Kitselman

As Tennessee prepares for the upcoming season, Kitselman’s candid thoughts on Joey Aguilar’s transfer underscore a positive and forward-looking mindset. He sees Aguilar’s decision as a win for the Volunteers, both on and off the field.

“Joey is a great teammate, a hard worker, and someone who’s ready to compete,” Kitselman concluded. “We’re excited to have him, and I think he’s going to be a big part of what we’re building here.”

Kitselman’s insight not only offers fans a glimpse into the team’s inner workings but also reflects the resilience and adaptability necessary in today’s college football environment.

Miles Kitselman’s candid reflections on Joey Aguilar’s transfer provide a valuable perspective on how individual player decisions intersect with team culture, competition, and strategic goals. Aguilar’s move to Tennessee brings renewed energy to the quarterback room and exemplifies the dynamic nature of college football today.

As the Volunteers gear up for the 2025 season, the blend of experienced transfers like Aguilar and dedicated veterans like Kitselman sets the stage for a competitive and cohesive team poised to challenge in the SEC.