Joey Aguilar’s journey, from his roots at Diablo Valley College to his record-breaking tenure at Appalachian State, a brief detour at UCLA, and now his landing at Tennessee, reflects the modern era of player mobility.
With approximately 7,000 passing yards and a knack for impacting games, he has experience and dynamism that suit Knoxville. Let’s trace his path, break down his stats, and explore what his arrival means for the Volunteers.
Tennessee Nabs 7,000-Yard QB Joey Aguilar After UCLA Stint Ends in Portal Exit
Aguilar started at Diablo Valley College, a junior college in California, where he first displayed his QB skills. His performance in JUCO was strong enough to earn a scholarship to Appalachian State, a program that is somewhat known for developing athletes who weren’t spotted.
JUCO football often represents a springboard for athletes who fly under the radar out of high school, and Aguilar seized that opportunity, setting the stage for his ascent to the FBS level.
His time at Appalachian State was nothing short of a revelation. He arrived in 2023, and he then quickly cemented his place as one of the Sun Belt Conference’s premier QB.
Ending the year, he completed 63.7% of passes for 3,757 yards, throwing 33 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. His dual-threat skill shone through with 249 rushing yards and three scores on the ground.
Some of his standout performances include a 424-yard, multi-touchdown performance against East Carolina, further establishing his place as a playmaker. His shelf contains the Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year award, which propelled the Mountaineers to a 9-5 record and a division title.
In 2024, his production waned slightly but was still impressive. He completed 55.9% of his passes for 3,003 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, while adding 207 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Aguilar’s next move was a stunner. He committed to Tennessee, more importantly, to swap places with Iamaleava in a rare quarterback trade between programs. This spring 2025 transfer made headlines, highlighting the fluidity of the portal era.
For Tennessee, losing Iamaleava, a highly touted prospect with a reported $2.4 million NIL deal, was nothing but a blow. But Aguilar offered a cost-effective solution with his proven production and a more modest $1.2 million NIL valuation.
What Aguilar Brings to Tennessee
Tennessee’s quarterback situation was turned upside down by Iamaleava’s exit, with George MacIntyre and Jake Merklinger leaving. Of course, the duo is talented but inexperienced as the primary option.
Aguilar’s arrival changes the roster, as he will probably be positioned as the frontrunner for the starting job in 2025.
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From another angle, Aguilar’s $1.2 million NIL deal is a bargain compared to Iamaleava’s $2.4 million, freeing up resources for the program to bolster other positions. Having one season left, Aguilar could serve as a great connection to the younger QBs while keeping the Volunteers competitive in the SEC.
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