He’s Coming: QB Joey Aguilar Reportedly Set to Land at Tennessee
May 10, 2025 | Knoxville, TN
The quarterback room in Knoxville may be gaining a major addition. Multiple sources have confirmed that Joey Aguilar, the standout quarterback from Appalachian State, is reportedly preparing to transfer to the University of Tennessee—a move that could shake up the Volunteers’ depth chart heading into the 2025 season.
Aguilar, who emerged as one of the most productive Group of Five quarterbacks over the past two seasons, is said to be “alert and active” in Knoxville’s transfer pipeline. While an official announcement has not yet been made, Tennessee insiders are buzzing with confidence that Aguilar is on his way to Rocky Top.
A poised passer with a big arm and a veteran presence, Aguilar threw for over 3,500 yards and 35 touchdowns in his 2024 campaign at App State, showing strong command of the offense and an ability to make plays both in and out of the pocket. His dual-threat capability and leadership drew attention from several Power Five programs once he entered the portal, but Tennessee seems to have won the battle.
“He’s coming,” one source close to the situation told VolQuest. “Tennessee made him a priority. They see him as a plug-and-play option who can compete right away.”
With the Volunteers coming off a solid but inconsistent year, head coach Josh Heupel is clearly looking to stabilize the quarterback position. While the team has young talent on the roster, including rising sophomore Jake Merklinger, Aguilar brings immediate experience and maturity that could be critical in SEC play.
Aguilar’s fit in Heupel’s up-tempo, vertical offense could be seamless. Known for pushing the ball downfield and spreading defenses out, the Vols’ scheme aligns well with Aguilar’s strengths—especially his quick decision-making and deep ball accuracy.
If the move becomes official, Aguilar will have one year of eligibility remaining. His arrival would mark Tennessee’s most high-profile quarterback acquisition via the transfer portal since Hendon Hooker, who led the program to national relevance during his historic 2022 and 2023 seasons.
For now, Tennessee fans are watching closely, waiting for the final word—but the message is clear: Joey Aguilar is coming.
Would you like a follow-up piece exploring how Aguilar might impact the SEC or a breakdown of Tennessee’s 2025 QB depth chart?
