Tennessee secured quarterback Joey Aguilar through the transfer portal after Nico Iamaleava’s unexpected departure to UCLA. Aguilar joins the Volunteers following two productive seasons at Appalachian State.
“Aguilar fits what Tennessee is looking for, a proven starter with one year to play. He passed for 6,760 yards and 56 TDs last two years at App. State. Also a very capable runner. Heupel and Vols definitely looking for another QB,” ESPN’s Chris Low wrote.
The former Appalachian State quarterback is entering his final year of eligibility and is expected to be Tennessee’s starter this season.
Iamaleava’s transfer to UCLA has made the Bruins a potential contender in the Big Ten.
“The drama and controversy over Iamaleava’s exit from Tennessee has overshadowed the impact his arrival will have on UCLA. After coming up one win shy of bowl eligibility in coach DeShaun Foster’s debut, the Bruins’ addition of Iamaleava pushes them into the second tier of Big Ten teams fighting for seven or more wins during the regular season,” USA Today’s Paul Myerberg wrote.
Despite losing Iamaleava, Tennessee’s quick acquisition of Aguilar has positioned them as winners in the spring transfer portal window.
“While not a match for Iamaleava’s athleticism or potential and a bit too turnover-prone this past season, Aguilar has the experience and comfort level in a quarterback-driven scheme to keep Tennessee in the mix for a return to the playoff. That’s a pretty good on-the-fly signing given what the Volunteers lost in Iamaleava and the lack of options in the springtime portal,” Myerberg wrote.
Tennessee aims to return to the College Football Playoff after making an appearance last season.
Aguilar threw for 6,760 yards and 56 touchdowns during his two seasons at Appalachian State.
