Josh Heupel confirms Tennessee Vols’ plan at quarterback after the addition of UCLA transfer Joey Aguilar
The Tennessee Volunteers football program, under the leadership of head coach Josh Heupel, has consistently been a team on the rise, showing marked improvement year over year. As the Vols continue their climb to the top of the SEC, one position remains pivotal to their success — quarterback. This off-season, the Vols made a significant move to strengthen their depth at quarterback by adding UCLA transfer Joey Aguilar, a talented signal-caller with a promising future. With this addition, there has been much speculation about Tennessee’s quarterback situation for the upcoming season. Would Aguilar be the new starter? Or would returning players continue to hold the reins?
In a recent press conference, Josh Heupel provided clarity on Tennessee’s quarterback plan moving forward, addressing the roles of incumbent quarterbacks, the potential of Aguilar, and what Vols fans can expect in the coming season. This article will break down Heupel’s remarks, analyze the impact of Aguilar’s addition, and look at how the quarterback position is shaping up for Tennessee as they aim for a return to the top of the SEC and national prominence.
The Arrival of Joey Aguilar: A Key Addition
Joey Aguilar’s decision to transfer to Tennessee was met with excitement, as the former UCLA quarterback comes to Knoxville with a wealth of experience and a strong pedigree. During his time with the Bruins, Aguilar showed flashes of his potential, and with the transfer portal becoming an increasingly important resource for teams across the country, it was no surprise that Heupel and his staff saw the opportunity to add him to the Vols’ quarterback room.
Aguilar’s journey to Tennessee began after a solid career at UCLA, where he showcased the skill set necessary to thrive in Heupel’s high-powered, up-tempo offensive system. The 6’4″ quarterback possesses a strong arm, accuracy, and the mobility to extend plays when necessary — attributes that align well with the style of offense Heupel has implemented at Tennessee. As a transfer, Aguilar brings a mature mindset and a competitive edge that can only help a program looking to take the next step in the SEC.
The quarterback position at Tennessee has often been a focal point of conversation, with fans eagerly anticipating the team’s next star at the position. Aguilar’s addition only fuels that intrigue, as he comes in as one of the most high-profile transfer quarterbacks of the year. With the potential to step into the starting role immediately, his arrival is expected to create a healthy competition within the quarterback room — a competition that Heupel believes will only elevate the play of everyone involved.
Josh Heupel’s Quarterback Philosophy
To understand the impact of Aguilar’s arrival and Tennessee’s quarterback plan, it’s important to examine Josh Heupel’s philosophy when it comes to the quarterback position. Heupel, who has built his reputation as an offensive mastermind and quarterback developer, places a premium on finding a quarterback who can effectively execute his fast-paced offense, make quick decisions, and showcase leadership on the field.
Heupel’s system requires a quarterback who can process information rapidly and make accurate throws under pressure. The offense is designed to keep opposing defenses on their heels with no-huddle playcalling and fast-tempo schemes, making it imperative that the quarterback is not only talented but also quick-thinking and resilient. Under Heupel, Tennessee has seen its fair share of successful quarterbacks, from Hendon Hooker’s breakout performances to the development of young players with raw talent.
Throughout Heupel’s tenure at Tennessee, the quarterback position has been fluid, with competition at the forefront of his philosophy. Heupel has repeatedly emphasized that there will always be open competition for starting spots, regardless of a player’s prior experience or accolades. This “merit-based” approach means that, even with a transfer like Aguilar coming into the mix, no player is guaranteed the starting role simply because of their previous success or pedigree. Instead, it will be about which quarterback is best suited to lead the team and execute Heupel’s vision.
The Current Quarterback Room: Who’s Competing?
Tennessee’s quarterback room in 2025 is brimming with talent, and while the addition of Joey Aguilar adds an exciting new layer to the competition, it’s important to understand the other quarterbacks vying for the starting job. As of now, the Vols’ quarterback room includes several key players:
- Nico Lamaleava – The highly-touted freshman quarterback who has garnered significant attention as the future of the Tennessee football program. Lamaleava, who has received praise for his strong arm, athleticism, and poise in the pocket, is considered by many to be the heir apparent at the quarterback position. While he has yet to see significant playing time, his upside has made him one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the country. Heupel has made it clear that Lamaleava will be a central figure in the program’s future, and many expect him to develop into a star.
- Joey Aguilar – The transfer from UCLA brings a wealth of experience and a proven skill set to the table. While he may not have the same level of hype as a high-profile freshman, Aguilar’s college experience and ability to execute Heupel’s offense give him an edge in terms of maturity and readiness for immediate contributions. Aguilar has the physical tools, and his familiarity with high-pressure environments can make him an attractive option for the starting role.
- Other Quarterbacks in the Mix – Tennessee’s quarterback depth chart also includes several other talented players who will be competing for playing time. While they may not be as well-known as Lamaleava or Aguilar, these quarterbacks will still play a role in shaping the team’s depth at the position. These players may not be immediately in the mix for the starting job, but they could play crucial roles throughout the season in various situations.
With all these quarterbacks vying for the starting job, Heupel’s plan is clear: he wants competition to drive development. This healthy competition will push each player to improve and ultimately ensure that whoever wins the starting job is the most capable leader for the team.
Heupel’s Confirmed Plan: The Approach Going Forward
In a recent press conference, Josh Heupel addressed the quarterback situation and confirmed that the addition of Joey Aguilar would provide both depth and competition at the position. Heupel stated that, as of now, there would be an open competition throughout the offseason, with the most deserving player earning the starting role in the 2025 season.
Heupel emphasized that while Nico Lamaleava is viewed as the future of the program, Aguilar’s experience and skill set make him a strong contender for the starting role. Heupel also noted that the competition would be driven by performance, both in practices and scrimmages, and that it would be a merit-based decision.
Heupel was quick to point out that the quarterback competition would not be rushed, and that the coaching staff would take their time to evaluate each player thoroughly before making a decision. He believes in giving every quarterback the opportunity to prove themselves, and that the team would be better for it in the long run.
The head coach also noted that the Vols would be utilizing their quarterbacks in a variety of ways during spring practices and preseason camp, with a focus on evaluating their ability to lead the offense, make plays under pressure, and execute Heupel’s fast-tempo offense. Heupel’s confidence in his quarterback room was apparent, as he expressed faith that the team would have a strong leader under center, regardless of who ultimately earns the starting job.
How Joey Aguilar Fits into the System
While the quarterback battle will be closely watched in the coming months, it’s important to consider how Joey Aguilar fits into Tennessee’s high-octane offense. Heupel’s system is built around speed, tempo, and efficiency, and Aguilar’s skill set aligns well with these principles.
Aguilar’s arm strength and accuracy allow him to make the deep throws that are often a staple of Heupel’s offense. Additionally, his mobility allows him to evade pressure and extend plays, which is crucial in a system that relies on quick thinking and adaptability. His experience at UCLA also gives him an understanding of how to manage an offense under high-pressure situations, something that could prove invaluable in SEC play.
Furthermore, Aguilar’s leadership and maturity will be an asset to Tennessee, as the team looks to build on the momentum from previous seasons. Whether he wins the starting role or serves as a key backup, his presence in the quarterback room will be important for the development of all the players involved.
As Josh Heupel confirmed the quarterback competition for the 2025 season, Tennessee fans can rest assured that the position is in good hands, no matter who wins the job. With Nico Lamaleava, Joey Aguilar, and other quarterbacks battling it out, Heupel’s approach of fostering competition will ultimately strengthen the team’s overall performance and ensure that the Vols have a capable leader under center.
For Tennessee, this competition is not just about the present but about laying the foundation for future success. With a solid quarterback plan in place, the Vols are poised to continue their rise in the SEC, with the leadership at quarterback playing a crucial role in their ongoing journey to prominence. The next few months will be exciting for Tennessee fans, as they eagerly await to see who will emerge as the leader of the Vols’ offense for the 2025 season and beyond.
