Tennessee’s quarterback room has seen dramatic changes this offseason, including Nico Iamaleava’s dramatic transfer, but Joey Aguilar’s arrival has sparked new optimism.
Analyst J.D. PicKell’s recent comparison between Aguilar and Vols legend Hendon Hooker has set the stage for bold expectations as Tennessee eyes another College Football Playoff run in 2025.
Analyst Breaks Down Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar’s 2025 Outlook
When Tennessee landed QB Joey Aguilar from Appalachian State — including a brief stint in UCLA — questions swirled about whether he could fill the shoes left by Nico Iamaleava. But PicKell’s assessment has fueled excitement.
On3 Analyst JD PicKell explains on his podcast, “And Hendon Hooker, when he was so good at Tennessee, brought a couple of things. One, experience, check the box for Joey Agular. Two, the ability to connect on the deep ball. Again, check the box with Joey Agular.
He continues, “So, I’m not telling you Joey A is going to be Hendon Hooker, but I am saying there’s some similarities to get excited about and some differences from what you had last year at the quarterback position.”
Aguilar’s history supports it. In two seasons at Appalachian State, he started 24 games and never threw for less than 200 yards in a start. His 2023 season was electric: 3,757 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, and only 10 interceptions, and he was named Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year.
While 2024 saw a dip—3,003 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions—the consistency of his deep-ball threat and leadership remained evident.
Like Hooker, Aguilar adds a dash of the clutch gene. Twenty-two of his 56 career touchdown passes at App State either tied the game or put his team in the lead. His calm under pressure is exactly what Tennessee needs as it grinds through the SEC schedule in 2025.
A Schedule Tailored for Aguilar’s Success
The 2025 schedule could play to Aguilar’s strengths. Tennessee opens with four straight games at home or neutral sites, delaying their first road test until week five. This setup gives Aguilar valuable time to build chemistry with his new teammates and master Josh Heupel’s up-tempo offense.
The Vols also benefit from hosting their most formidable opponents—including Georgia, Oklahoma, and Arkansas—in Knoxville. When Tennessee faces hostile environments like Alabama and Florida later in the season, Aguilar should fully acclimate to SEC speed and pressure.
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This gradual ramp-up could be crucial for a quarterback transitioning from the Sun Belt to the nation’s premier conference.
Despite some skepticism from national analysts about whether Aguilar can match Iamaleava’s upside, his ranking as the No. 50 player in college football for 2025 underscores the respect he commands nationally.
Tennessee’s projected win total sits at 8.5, but with Aguilar’s experience and deep-ball prowess, the Vols could surprise doubters and make another playoff push.
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