Skip to main content
tennessee logo

Joey Aguilar announces his decision to play at Tennessee

On3 imageby:Austin Price•04/29/25•

AustinPriceless

Joey Aguilar
USA Today Sports

In what sure looks like a trade, Tennessee has added UCLA quarterback Joey Aguilar after former Vol quarterback Nico Iamaleava picked UCLA on earlier this month. Aguilar was in Westwood only for a few months after returning to his home state following a solid two year stint as the quarterback of Appalachian State. He announced his decision officially on his social media platforms on Tuesday.

“First, I want to thank God for guiding me through this journey and opening doors I could not have imagined,” Aguilar said in his post. “I’m excited to announce that I’m officially committed tò the University of Tennessee!

This journey hasn’t just been mine; it’s been shared with everyone who has supported me – thank you.

I’m looking forward to being a part of the traditions, the fans, and the legacy of winning at Tennessee. I’m ready to get to work, compete at the highest level and build something special with my teammates and coaches.

I can’t wait to get to Rocky Top! I’m ready to Give My All for Tennessee.”

It’s a quick turnaround to a season that’s just a few months away. Having to learn the offense and culture in Knoxville will be very important. He has been taking dual classes at both UCLA and online at Appalachian State as he looks to graduate early in May. 

In only two years (both as a starter), Aguilar ranked highly on App State’s career lists for touchdown passes (No. 5 with 56) and passing yards (No. 5 with 6,760) behind only three- or four-year starters. He threw for at least 200 yards in all 24 starts with six 300-yard games and one 400-yard game (424 yards at ECU in 2024). He had four touchdown passes in four different games and was the 2023 Cure Bowl MVP and Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year. He tallied 22 touchdown passes to either tie game or give his team the lead.

He joins redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and true freshman George MacIntyre in a young quarterback room. He will walk in the door with the most experience, but the least experience in this offense.

He compiled really strong numbers in high school. In final two prep seasons at Freedom High School, threw for 5,575 yards with 59 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.

You may also like