Kirk Herbstreit Says He “Wouldn’t Be Shocked” If Tennessee Vols Quarterback Joey Aguilar Emerges as SEC Breakout Star in 2025

When ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit talks college football, the nation listens. So when the veteran analyst offered an unsolicited endorsement of Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar during a recent broadcast segment, Vols fans took notice. With Aguilar entering his first season as Tennessee’s starting signal-caller after transferring from Appalachian State, Herbstreit’s words sparked excitement — and perhaps even a bit of national curiosity.

“I wouldn’t be shocked to see Joey Aguilar do well in the SEC,” Herbstreit said on the ESPN College Football Podcast earlier this week. “He’s got a great arm, he’s mobile, and he brings a maturity you don’t always see in guys stepping into a new system.”

Herbstreit’s comment may have surprised some, but for those familiar with Aguilar’s journey and skill set, it wasn’t exactly out of left field. In fact, Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel and his staff are banking on Aguilar’s experience and upside to elevate the offense in 2025 after the departure of projected NFL Draft first-rounder Nico Iamaleava.

The Joey Aguilar Story: From Underdog to Orange Nation’s New Hope

Aguilar’s rise to SEC relevance is one of college football’s more compelling storylines this offseason. A California native who played junior college ball before transferring to Appalachian State, Aguilar didn’t follow the five-star recruiting path. But what he lacked in pedigree, he more than made up for with production.

In 2023, he stepped into the starting role for the Mountaineers and threw for 3,757 yards and 33 touchdowns, completing 62.5% of his passes. He added another four scores on the ground and led Appalachian State to a 9-4 record, earning Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year honors.

More importantly, Aguilar proved capable of handling pressure — showing poise in road games and against Power Five opponents. That experience, combined with his leadership skills and deep-ball accuracy, made him a prime target in the transfer portal.

When Tennessee came calling, Aguilar didn’t hesitate.

“Coach Heupel’s system speaks for itself,” Aguilar said in his introductory press conference. “I’ve watched this offense from afar, and I knew I could thrive here. It’s an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

Kirk Herbstreit’s Vote of Confidence: Why It Matters

Herbstreit’s endorsement carries weight not just because of his platform, but because of his reputation for measured, informed takes. He rarely engages in hype for hype’s sake. So when he went out of his way to single out Aguilar, it sparked renewed interest in how the Vols offense might evolve this fall.

“What I like about Aguilar,” Herbstreit said, “is his ability to keep plays alive without forcing things. He sees the field well. I think people are underestimating just how valuable his experience will be for Tennessee in big moments.”

Herbstreit also noted that Tennessee’s offensive line — returning four starters — and a deep running back rotation will give Aguilar the support system he needs to thrive in the SEC.

“It’s not like he’s stepping into chaos,” Herbstreit added. “He’s stepping into a situation where the infrastructure is there.”

Inside Tennessee’s Offense: A System Built for Quarterbacks

Josh Heupel’s offensive system has gained a reputation for being quarterback-friendly and explosively efficient. Since arriving in Knoxville, Heupel has transformed the Vols into one of the nation’s most dynamic offenses. His up-tempo attack emphasizes vertical passing, quick reads, and exploiting mismatches — all things Aguilar showed comfort with at Appalachian State.

Quarterbacks coach Joey Halzle, who also serves as offensive coordinator, has raved about Aguilar’s ability to pick up the system quickly during spring ball and early summer workouts.

“He’s been a sponge,” Halzle said. “He asks the right questions, puts in extra time, and already has the respect of the locker room. That doesn’t happen overnight when you’re new, but Joey has earned it.”

The Vols also boast a formidable supporting cast at wide receiver, led by Bru McCoy and Oregon transfer Dont’e Thornton Jr., both of whom provide size and speed on the outside. Slot man Squirrel White gives Aguilar a dangerous short-yardage target, while tight ends Ethan Davis and Charlie Browder bring versatility to the middle of the field.

With weapons at every level, Aguilar is positioned to make the most of his lone year of SEC eligibility.

Can Aguilar Handle the SEC Gauntlet?

For all of Aguilar’s upside, the transition from the Sun Belt to the SEC isn’t without its challenges. Defensive fronts are faster. Schemes are more complex. And the weekly grind of facing elite programs like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU is a test unlike any other.

But Aguilar isn’t shying away from the moment.

“Pressure is a privilege,” he said during Tennessee’s summer media availability. “I’ve worked too hard and waited too long to be nervous about the spotlight. I want the ball in my hands with the game on the line.”

That mentality has earned him the trust of teammates like Bru McCoy, who called Aguilar “a natural leader” and “someone who holds everyone accountable, including himself.”

Former Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker, now with the Detroit Lions, even weighed in on social media after watching practice film, posting: “Joey’s got that dawg in him. Y’all gonna see.”

SEC Schedule Will Be the Proving Ground

Tennessee’s 2025 schedule features multiple national showcase games, providing Aguilar with an opportunity to make a major statement.

The Vols open the season with a high-profile matchup against Oklahoma in Nashville — a game that will feature College GameDay and a massive television audience. That’s followed by a road game at Florida, a mid-season clash with Georgia at home, and a November trip to Tuscaloosa.

In total, Tennessee is scheduled to face six teams currently ranked in ESPN’s preseason Top 25. For Aguilar, every game will be a chance to prove Herbstreit — and his growing list of believers — right.

NFL Scouts Are Already Watching

While it’s early, Aguilar is already generating buzz among NFL talent evaluators. His maturity, arm strength, and ability to extend plays make him a potential Day 2 or Day 3 draft candidate, depending on how his season unfolds.

“He’s on our radar,” one AFC scout told The Athletic. “If he shows he can process SEC defenses and limit mistakes, he’ll rise fast. The arm talent is there.”

Aguilar’s age — he’ll be 24 by draft night — could be viewed as a slight drawback, but teams looking for a ready-made backup or developmental starter will be watching closely.

What Success Looks Like for Aguilar and Tennessee

For Tennessee, success in 2025 means more than just an exciting offense. The Vols want to take the next step under Heupel — winning the SEC East (or making the new 12-team College Football Playoff), competing for championships, and proving they’re not just a flash in the pan.

If Aguilar can deliver steady, explosive quarterback play, Tennessee becomes a legitimate contender.

Herbstreit’s endorsement adds an early layer of intrigue to Aguilar’s story, and Vol Nation is eager to see whether the journeyman-turned-leader can fulfill the high expectations now set before him.

In a college football world obsessed with five-star recruits and flashy headlines, Joey Aguilar represents something refreshing — a blue-collar quarterback who earned his way through perseverance, hard work, and resilience. Now, with one season at Tennessee, he has a chance to leave a lasting mark.

Kirk Herbstreit’s confidence isn’t just a compliment — it’s a challenge. And if Aguilar rises to meet it, the Vols may have found not only a stopgap quarterback but a leader capable of taking the program one step closer to national prominence.

One thing is clear: Tennessee’s 2025 journey will run through Joey Aguilar — and Kirk Herbstreit wouldn’t be shocked if it turns out to be one worth watching.