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Tennessee transfer quarterback Joey Aguilar set to arrive on Rocky Top

On3 imageby:Brent Hubbs•05/10/25•

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NCAA Football: Appalachian State at East Carolina
Sep 14, 2024; Greenville, North Carolina, USA; Appalachian State Mountaineers quarterback Joey Aguilar (4) goes to throw the ball against the East Carolina Pirates during the second half at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

Tennessee’s quarterback competition officially becomes a three man race on Monday. 

UCLA transfer Joey Aguilar confirmed to Volquest’s Austin Price on Saturday that he will be in Knoxville on Monday. 

Aguilar officially announced his commitment to Tennessee on April 29th via X. 

When Aguilar committed there was some question about when he would arrive at Tennessee because UCLA is on a quarters academic system and the quarter doesn’t end till mid-June. However, Aguilar while a student at UCLA this spring remained enrolled at Appalachian State with on-line classes and graduated this week from the school he played for the last two seasons which allows his to head to Rocky Top now. 

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. Merklinger appeared in two games in 2024 and MacIntyre arrived in January.

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

Finding a quarterback in the spring portal window was a must for Tennessee after starter Nico Iamaleava chose not to finish spring practice and transfer to UCLA. 

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