The Joey Aguilar era at Tennessee has taken off faster than most expected. After the surprising spring quarterback shuffle that saw Aguilar land in Knoxville and Nico Iamaleava head west to UCLA, many wondered which program had made the right bet.
Just three weeks into the new season, the answer is starting to take shape, especially for ESPN broadcaster Kirk Herbstreit. Aguilar has transformed Tennessee’s offense. He is commanding Josh Heupel’s system with efficiency and explosiveness. His breakout performance came against Georgia in a dramatic 44-41 overtime loss.
“I took away from this, much like you? Tennessee has got to shake this. They still can have a ridiculously good year,” Herbstreit said on his PODCAST. “And they got a quarterback that I think we’re all excited about with Joey Aguilar.” (From 19:20)
The numbers speak for themselves. Aguilar has completed over 66% of his throws for 906 yards and nine touchdowns across three games. He sits among the nation’s top quarterbacks in both yards and scores, making him an early candidate for the Heisman conversation.
His performance against Georgia featured 371 passing yards, four touchdown passes, and a rushing score, putting the football world on notice. For Tennessee, the shift has been dramatic. The Volunteers are averaging more than 52 points per game, their most explosive output in years.
Comparisons make the contrast even clearer. Iamaleava posted solid but modest numbers during his run, while Aguilar is already producing at a higher clip in efficiency, yardage, and big-play potential. That difference has Tennessee looking like a contender once again.
Before Herbstreit put his thoughts on record, there was one person who already knew who won the trade.
Joey Aguilar’s Father On The “UCLA–Tennessee Trade”
While there was no official exchange between the teams and players involved, the timing of the trade made it look like a trade-off. Aguilar and Iamaleava are both good players, but fans wondered who really “won” this trade.
Joey Aguilar’s father, during a conversation with Pete Nakos, made it clear.
“We don’t have any problems with Nico,” Jose Aguilar said. “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
His comment from earlier this month continues to age well. So far, Joey has proved that he turned out to be the better player and a better fit for his program. In the coming weeks, he has the opportunity to extend his lead in this conversation.
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