The college football world has been buzzing over what many are calling a real “trade” between two major programs. Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee’s prized five-star quarterback, left Knoxville for UCLA. Almost simultaneously, Joey Aguilar, who had impressed at Appalachian State, transferred to Tennessee.
Of course, there was no official exchange, but the timing of it all made the comparison too easy to ignore. For Tennessee, it looked like fortune smiled on them. Aguilar arrived with experience and the ability to step in right away. He brought leadership, poise, and a chip on his shoulder.
For UCLA, landing Iamaleava was a headline move. The Bruins secured a young, highly-touted passer to build their future around. Fans and analysts immediately labeled it the “UCLA–Tennessee Trade,” fueling debates about who truly came out ahead.
That’s where Joey Aguilar’s father, Jose, stepped in with his perspective. During a conversation with Pete Nakos, he said:
“We don’t have any problems with Nico. If anything, it’s thank you. Joey is in a great spot. That’s what I would say, thank you. He did what he decided to do. Everything that happened, happened. I think it’s clear who won the trade. Look at the fans and the stats. Everything happens for a reason.”
NEW: Joey Aguilar’s father to @PeteNakos_ on UCLA-Tennessee QB swap:
“We don’t have any problems with Nico. If anything, it’s thank you…
I think it’s clear who won the trade. Look at the fans and the stats. Everything happens for a reason.”
Story: https://t.co/9zlTfMygZP pic.twitter.com/HaTH2rH7Dy
— On3 (@On3sports) September 10, 2025
It’s not hard to see why he feels that way. Aguilar has settled into his new role with confidence, quickly earning respect from teammates and fans alike. The truth is, both programs got what they needed. UCLA found its future. Tennessee found its present.
Joey Aguilar’s father on Being Kept in the Dark
From the Aguilar family’s perspective, the entire situation with UCLA unfolded in silence. They weren’t given much clarity as the program began shifting toward Nico Iamaleava. While negotiations with the former Tennessee quarterback were ongoing, Joey and his father were left to piece things together through social media chatter and rumors.
Even as the writing became clear, they felt the staff avoided directly addressing the direction they were leaning. That lack of communication made an already uncertain spring even more frustrating.
“We were kept in the dark,” Jose Aguilar said. “They didn’t tell us anything. Obviously, the writing was on the wall. We were finding out everything on social media. But even when they were in negotiations with Nico, they weren’t telling us anything.”
No matter his talent or track record, the path to becoming UCLA’s starter was slipping away. When the call finally came confirming Nico’s arrival, it only reinforced what they had suspected all along.
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