Joey Aguilar’s start at Tennessee offers both hope and evaluation—he could be the answer post-Nico or simply a trial run to gauge his SEC readiness. The verdict awaits kickoff.

The offseason in Knoxville has been anything but ordinary. After the surprise departure of highly-touted quarterback Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee fans were left with a pressing question: Who’s next? Now, with the announcement that Joey Aguilar will start under center to open the 2025 season, that question has an answer—at least for now.

But does Aguilar represent the Vols’ long-term solution, or is he merely a stopgap, a capable arm thrown into the SEC fire while the coaching staff assesses its quarterback room post-Nico? Is he Tennessee’s knight in shining armor—or simply a placeholder until the next big thing arrives?

The verdict? Still unknown. But what is certain is that Joey Aguilar’s performance in the early part of the season will be one of the defining storylines for Tennessee football in 2025.

The Nico Departure: A Shocking Plot Twist

Before diving into Aguilar’s profile, one must first understand the gravity of the situation he inherits. Nico Iamaleava was not just Tennessee’s quarterback—he was the face of the program’s future. A former five-star recruit with elite arm talent, mobility, and charisma, Nico represented what many hoped would be the second coming of Hendon Hooker’s breakout era.

So when news broke that Iamaleava was entering the transfer portal, it sent shockwaves across the Volunteer Nation. Whether his departure stemmed from internal dissatisfaction, coaching dynamics, NIL factors, or personal decisions remains speculation. But his exit left a void—both on the field and in the hearts of fans who had envisioned years of success with him leading the way.

Enter Joey Aguilar: The New Face at QB

Joey Aguilar is not a household name in SEC circles, but that might be about to change. The senior transfer from Appalachian State brings real-game experience, leadership, and toughness to the quarterback position. While he wasn’t the initial heir apparent, Aguilar now has the opportunity to seize the reins of Tennessee’s offense.

Aguilar’s Background

At Appalachian State, Aguilar showcased solid skills:

• Passing yards: Over 3,000 yards in his final full season
• TD-INT ratio: A respectable balance, with smart decision-making
• Leadership: Known for commanding the huddle and rallying his team

He didn’t play in the SEC, but he faced quality opponents and delivered in high-pressure moments. His ability to manage a game, stretch the field vertically, and maintain composure makes him an intriguing option in Tennessee’s high-octane system.

System Fit: How Aguilar Matches Josh Heupel’s Offense

Head coach Josh Heupel’s offense is tailor-made for quarterbacks who can make quick decisions, read defenses pre-snap, and stretch the field with downfield throws. While it’s a system that helped Hendon Hooker flourish and gave Joe Milton a platform, it’s also demanding in pace and complexity.

Why He Fits

Aguilar’s strengths suggest he’s a good match:

• Quick release: Allows for rapid reads in RPO and tempo packages
• Solid footwork: Crucial in Heupel’s fast-paced scheme
• Football IQ: Experience as a starter in another system helps him adapt

Heupel doesn’t need Aguilar to be a star right away—he needs him to be efficient, smart, and productive. That alone could make Aguilar the right man for the moment.

Tennessee’s Quarterback Room: Beyond Joey Aguilar

While Aguilar gets the start, Tennessee’s quarterback room still features intriguing names, including highly-touted freshman Maddox Bierly and sophomore Jake Merklinger, who have both shown promise in spring and fall practices.

The decision to start Aguilar may not indicate a long-term commitment, but rather a strategic move to allow younger quarterbacks more time to develop while putting an experienced hand on the wheel during a transitional period.

If Aguilar shines, he could hold the job all season. If not, the leash may be short—especially if Tennessee drops early conference games.

The Stakes: Why Aguilar’s Performance Matters

Aguilar’s opportunity is about more than just starting a few games—it’s about Tennessee maintaining momentum in the SEC and showing recruits, boosters, and fans that the program can survive adversity.

1. Maintaining Competitive Relevance

The SEC waits for no one. In a league loaded with quarterback talent, from Georgia to LSU to Texas, falling behind at the QB position is often the difference between a 10-win season and a 6-6 disappointment.

2. Impact on Recruiting

The quarterback position drives recruiting across the offense. A strong showing from Aguilar could signal to future QB recruits and offensive weapons that Tennessee remains a fertile ground for development and success.

3. Team Morale and Stability

A competent and confident quarterback sets the tone for the locker room. If Aguilar wins over teammates with poise and production, it helps foster team chemistry and belief heading into key matchups.

Key Games to Watch

Joey Aguilar’s verdict will be written not by hype, but by performance. Here are three games that will shape his narrative early:

1. Week 2 vs. Oklahoma

A massive early-season test, this game will pit Aguilar against a fast, aggressive defense. A win here would instantly validate his potential.

2. Week 5 at Georgia

A litmus test if there ever was one. Beating—or even competing well—against a powerhouse like Georgia could solidify his job.

3. Week 7 vs. Florida

Always a high-emotion rivalry, this matchup could define Tennessee’s midseason positioning in the SEC East. Composure and leadership will be crucial.

Strengths and Areas of Concern

✅ Strengths

• Experience: Aguilar’s prior starting experience gives him maturity and calmness.
• Arm Talent: While not elite, his arm is good enough to make all the required throws.
• Composure: He doesn’t get rattled easily—a must in hostile SEC environments.

⚠️ Areas of Concern

• SEC Speed: Adjusting to the speed and physicality of the SEC will take time.
• Chemistry: Building rapport with new receivers and the offensive line is still in progress.
• Upside Ceiling: Aguilar’s physical ceiling may be lower than past Tennessee QBs like Nico or Hooker.

Fan Expectations and Patience

Tennessee fans are as passionate as they come, but also notoriously impatient. They’ve had a taste of success with Hooker and high hopes with Nico. Now, they’re caught in the middle of optimism and uncertainty.

What Fans Want

• Wins over rivals
• Competent quarterback play
• A clear direction for the program

Aguilar doesn’t have to be a superstar—he just needs to be good enough to win. If he does that, the fan base will rally around him.

Long-Term Outlook: Aguilar’s Legacy TBD

Whether Joey Aguilar becomes Tennessee’s 2025 hero or simply the bridge to the next great Volunteer QB remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure—he holds the keys to the offense, and with it, the potential to either write a memorable chapter or turn the page for the next one.

Should Aguilar lead the Vols to a strong season, his story becomes one of perseverance and unexpected opportunity. Should he falter, the next wave of talent is waiting, and the spotlight may move on quickly.

But for now, Joey Aguilar is the man in Knoxville.

Final Verdict? Not Yet.

Is Joey Aguilar Tennessee’s knight in shining armor? Or is he just a competent placeholder?

The only way to find out is on the field, in front of 100,000 screaming fans, against elite defenses and with real stakes. Until then, hope and evaluation walk hand in hand.