“It’s all rat poison” – Vols QB Joey Aguilar breaks his silence and speaks publicly for first time since leaving UCLA for Tennessee

Joey Aguilar, the new quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers, broke his silence this week, speaking publicly for the first time since his controversial transfer from UCLA to Knoxville. The former Bruin, whose decision to leave California for Tennessee raised eyebrows across the college football world, sat down with local media to address everything from his decision-making process to the expectations surrounding him as the next leader of the Vols.

His first public comments come at a time when Tennessee fans, coaches, and even players are eager to see if Aguilar can live up to the hype that’s been surrounding him since his arrival. The Vols have a long and storied history at quarterback, with many legends having played in the position, from Peyton Manning to Hendon Hooker. The pressure for Aguilar to step into the spotlight and guide Tennessee back to prominence is immense, but as he explained, he’s ready for the challenge.

The transfer process for Aguilar was anything but typical. After spending two seasons at UCLA, Aguilar decided to enter the transfer portal following a year in which he saw limited action. Despite his impressive high school career and strong potential, Aguilar was behind Dorian Thompson-Robinson, UCLA’s starting quarterback for the better part of four seasons. The situation in Los Angeles was clear: Aguilar needed a fresh start, and Tennessee’s offense seemed like the perfect fit for what he could bring to the table. The decision to leave was a difficult one, as Aguilar was well-liked by his teammates and coaches at UCLA, but after taking a step back and evaluating his future, the opportunity at Tennessee stood out as one he simply couldn’t pass up.

The news of Aguilar’s transfer sparked a flurry of reactions in both the media and on social media. Fans and pundits alike had their opinions, ranging from excitement over the potential of a new quarterback to skepticism about whether a player with limited experience could make a significant impact in the SEC. Some saw it as a savvy move on the part of Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel, who has made it his mission to build a high-octane offense capable of competing with the best teams in the country. Others questioned whether Aguilar could handle the pressure of playing in the SEC, one of the toughest and most competitive conferences in college football.

Aguilar was quick to respond to the noise surrounding his transfer. “It’s all rat poison,” he said, referencing the famous phrase coined by Alabama head coach Nick Saban. The term refers to all the external noise—praise, criticism, or hype—that can distract a player from focusing on the task at hand. For Aguilar, the phrase was his way of acknowledging the attention, but not letting it consume him. “There’s always going to be noise around a decision like this. You can either let it get to you or focus on what’s important: my teammates, the coaches, and getting better every day,” he added.

The 6’4” quarterback from California has a natural confidence about him that comes across as both grounded and unshaken by the pressure. It’s clear that Aguilar has the mentality of a player who’s been through adversity and understands that the road ahead won’t be easy. Despite his relatively limited playing time at UCLA, he showed flashes of potential that led Tennessee to pursue him aggressively. Now, with an entire offseason to learn Heupel’s up-tempo offense and a chance to compete for the starting job in spring practices, Aguilar is eager to prove he belongs.

While the transition from UCLA to Tennessee might seem like a significant jump, it’s worth noting that Aguilar had the backing of several prominent figures within the Tennessee program. One of the most influential was Heupel himself, who has built his offensive philosophy around high-powered, fast-paced football. Heupel’s success with quarterbacks—especially with the development of players like Hendon Hooker—was something that drew Aguilar to Knoxville in the first place.

“I had been watching Tennessee’s offense for a while, and I loved what they were doing,” Aguilar said. “It was fast, it was aggressive, and it was about making plays. I feel like that fits my game. I knew that coming here, I would be given the opportunity to grow and develop in a system that is built for success.”

For Heupel, the excitement surrounding Aguilar is tangible. “Joey has a great arm, and he has the type of leadership qualities we look for in a quarterback,” Heupel said in a separate interview. “What we love about him is his competitiveness and the way he carries himself. He’s not worried about what people say about him—he’s focused on the process and the team. That mentality is exactly what we need to get to where we want to be.”

Aguilar’s decision to leave UCLA, where he had a solid if unspectacular tenure, wasn’t just about finding playing time. It was about finding a place where he could thrive, and the fit at Tennessee seemed too good to pass up. Under Heupel, Tennessee’s offense has become one of the most explosive in the country, and Aguilar sees it as a perfect opportunity to showcase his skills.

“I’m excited to be here,” Aguilar said, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. “There’s a lot of talent on this roster, and I feel like we can do something special. I’ve learned a lot already from the coaches and my teammates, and I know that if I just stay focused and put in the work, the results will follow.”

Aguilar’s transfer has sparked a renewed sense of optimism within the Tennessee football program, especially after a successful 2023 season in which the Vols made significant strides under Heupel’s leadership. The team is poised to contend for an SEC championship, but much of their success will hinge on the performance of their quarterback. While there’s no doubt that Aguilar will face stiff competition for the starting job, his understanding of Heupel’s offense and his natural leadership abilities make him an intriguing option.

For Vols fans, the hope is that Aguilar will provide the stability and playmaking ability that the program has been lacking since the days of Hendon Hooker. The transition from a star like Hooker to a new quarterback can be daunting, but Aguilar’s calm demeanor and willingness to embrace the pressure could be exactly what the Vols need to keep the momentum going.

Despite all the attention, Aguilar’s approach remains the same: focus on the fundamentals, work with his teammates, and earn the trust of the coaches. “I’m not here to replace anyone. I’m here to help this team win,” Aguilar said. “There’s a lot of talent on this roster, and I want to be a part of something special. Whatever role I have to play, I’ll do it to the best of my ability.”

The Vols are currently in the midst of their offseason training program, and Aguilar is working tirelessly to get acclimated to the system and build chemistry with his receivers. Tennessee’s offensive line, which has shown marked improvement over the past few seasons, will be crucial in giving Aguilar the time he needs to make plays. With weapons like wide receiver Bru McCoy and running back Jaylen Wright returning, the Vols’ offense has the potential to be one of the most dynamic units in the country. Aguilar knows that his success will be a team effort, and he’s excited to be a part of it.

“Football is the ultimate team game,” Aguilar said. “I don’t care if I’m throwing the ball, handing it off, or doing whatever it takes to win—I’m here for my teammates. We’re all in this together, and I’m ready to do whatever I can to help this team reach its goals.”

As training camp approaches and the Vols gear up for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on Aguilar and how he performs during the preseason. The competition for the starting quarterback job will likely be fierce, but one thing is certain: Aguilar is ready to embrace the challenge head-on.

It’s clear that Joey Aguilar isn’t concerned with the “rat poison” that surrounds his transfer or the expectations that have come with it. Instead, he’s focused on doing the work, learning from his coaches and teammates, and putting himself in the best possible position to lead Tennessee back to greatness. It’s a tall order, but with Aguilar’s mentality, skill set, and determination, it’s one that could very well be within reach.